A group of hunters, local rescue organizations and veterinarians have come together to help six abandoned puppies found in a rural area between Grand Forks and Greenwood.
The puppies, believed to be about six months old, were discovered March 28 on Crown land and turned in to the Kootenay Animal Assistance Program on April 1 by hunters from the United States.
Liz Draper, a volunteer with KAAP, said the animals were in poor condition when they arrived.
“The pups were not great,” said Draper.
“We took them to the vets and discovered one of them had an embedded collar that needed to be removed, and the vet believes that two of the puppies also have bullet slugs in them.”
Despite their condition, Draper said the puppies are now improving with the help of local care.
The litter, four males and two females, has received veterinary treatment, vaccinations and, in some cases, spay and neuter procedures. Some are already available for adoption, while two are still waiting to undergo surgery.
“This is the first time that I’ve dealt with this many pups being literally dumped in the middle of nowhere. If there wasn’t a hunter up there, I don’t think that they would have been found.”
Draper said the situation highlights the role the community plays in protecting vulnerable animals, from those who first find them to the people who provide care and adopt them.
The organization is encouraging anyone who encounters abandoned or injured animals, or who is unable to care for a litter, to reach out for help.
“Animal rescue groups are always willing to help out. If you have an unexpected litter, please, before you consider doing anything, reach out to animal rescue. We can help. That’s what we’re there for. If you have an animal that needs to be spayed or neutered and you can’t afford it, reach out to an animal rescue group.”
Anyone with information about the puppies or their mother is asked to contact the Kootenay Animal Assistance Program Society.
“The mummy of all these puppies is still out there and may still need to be spayed and KAAP would love to help out with that.”
Residents can also support the effort by adopting a puppy or making a donation to help cover ongoing medical costs at kaap.ca.
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