Ontario taxpayers face nearly $100,000 bill after rescue of 58 dogs

A provincial review board reduced a Statement of Account for the removal and care of 58 dogs from a Hamilton-area home to a $10,000 charge for the owner after an initial bill of about $108,928; the animals remained in provincial care through mid-August.

Ontario’s Animal Welfare Service removed 58 dogs from a Hamilton-area home last summer after inspectors entered under a search warrant following complaints. The province billed roughly $108,928 for removal and care, and the owner appealed that Statement of Account to the Ontario Animal Care Review Board. On Jan. 27 the board reduced the amount the owner must pay to $10,000, citing the owner’s limited financial resources and caregiving responsibilities. The animals stayed in provincial care until mid-August. Key points: - The original Statement of Account totaled $108,928.64 for removal and care of 58 dogs; AWS proposed a revised bill of $101,771.64 after excluding certain veterinary fees. - The review board ordered the owner to pay $10,000 to the finance ministry on Jan. 27, substantially reducing the billed amount. - Inspectors entered the property in July under a warrant after complaints and removed the animals, which remained in care through mid-August. - The owner appealed and provided evidence of unemployment, unsecured debt, caregiving responsibilities for an autistic child, and mental health challenges; the board considered ability to pay when varying the bill. Summary: The board’s decision reflects both the significant public expense of the animal removal and the owner’s personal and financial circumstances. With the owner required to pay $10,000, the province will absorb the remaining costs. Undetermined at this time.