Veterinary service removes 41 malamutes from poor conditions in Dundaga

Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service has removed 41 Alaskan malamutes from a private property in Dundaga, where they were kept in unsuitable conditions, LSM reported.

The large dogs were held outdoors in cramped cages without adequate care or shelter from bad weather. Some were severely underweight. The service said the cages were designed for short-term transport, and some dogs were kept together regardless of age or sex. It has opened an administrative case over suspected cruel treatment of animals.

The service is trying to find animal shelters across Latvia that can take in the dogs. A service representative said finding places for all of them was a major problem.

The property had been inspected four years ago after residents complained about noise. At the time, inspectors found problems with the dogs’ vaccination and registration but no animal welfare concerns. The property had not undergone routine inspections in recent years because it was not registered as an animal breeding facility.

Tags: animal welfare, dogs, Latvia