Several dogs were removed from a home in Hamilton’s east end after neighbours noticed the animals appeared to have been left behind when tenants were evicted.
The homeowner, Karina Loayza says the people living there weren’t paying rent and left the home in deplorable condition.
Six large dogs were surrendered on the weekend by the people who used to rent the house on Highland Avenue in Hamilton. Photos from inside, show feces and garbage throughout.
Animal advocate Carol Andrews says the animals were left in the house for two weeks after the people who lived there were evicted.
Last week, the tenants became upset with camera crews and reporters after concerned neighbours tipped off the media and animal welfare organizations. The tenants say they were constantly returning to the house to care for the animals they left behind.
Those who live nearby say the dogs were neglected, “they were constantly barking, constantly crying. When I was sitting there, it was heartbreaking to watch the dogs go through this.”
Loayza told CHCH News that the inside of the house is a complete nightmare. Feces everywhere, urine seeping through the floor, cockroaches, and bed bugs. Loayza says she and her husband are probably going to have to spend upwards of $100,000 to replace all the floors, baseboards, drywall, and even the appliances. She says there was a cockroach infestation in the fridge.
Andrews says the animal rescue group will care for the dogs until they are ready to be adopted, “they were scared, tails between their legs. They were absolutely terrified.”
Andrews says the dogs luckily weren’t emaciated, “the way these animals were treated is totally unacceptable and I hope PAWS lays charges.”
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) tells CHCH News that investigators went to the house on multiple occasions and say the animals were being cared for. No charges have been laid.
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