Some Animals Surrendered From Bruce Mines Rescue Farm -Updated

Craig Huckerby for SooNews.ca
Friday, March 19, 2010, 3:51PM

SooNews.ca has learned that a Bruce Mines Animal Rescue, known as the Crystal Heart Ranch was inspected on Tuesday of this week resulting in most of the animals being seized, according to a near-by resident who's been following the story.

The ranch and its owner, Kathy Auger, who could also go by the name, Kathy Peters was the subject of an exclusive investigative report by SooNews.ca last month and in June of 2009.

The report included witnesses claiming neglect and abuse of animals kept on the farm ranging from horses to pigs, birds , dog and cats. Auger allegedly bred dogs and then posted the litters on-line for sale, though none of the dogs had vet care and were often sick and died within weeks of purchase.

The neigbour claims The Algoma Health Unit Environmental Health division in Blind River conducted an inspection of the property that housed a residential home, according to witnesses. Auger used the basement of the house for her breeding business. It is not known what condition the home was in when the AHU arrived or what they found. SooNews.ca has since learned that an officer with the AHU obtained a pot belly pig from the farm, "She'll have a good home now" said Beth Wood from the AHU, Monday morning.

The investigating officer from the AHU could not be reached for comment Friday.

The Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society manager, Cindy Ross was also not available for comment.

According to a person in Bruce Mines who has been watching the situation on Tuesday, "all the animals have been removed from the property" however a few horses have not been moved. A near-by neighbour has been feeding the horses.

Auger allegedly has not been at the property for sometime, abandoning the animals at the rescue farm.

It is believed Auger has moved to the Sault.

It is not known at this time the status of the animals or where they have been moved to. "I know the pot belly pigs have been moved to a near by farm" said the neighbour. "It was a very busy place last Tuesday with the animals and the vehicles moving them out"

SooNews.ca will have more on this story next week.

MORE NEWS

Downtown Association On The Passing Of John Rowswell Summer Memories Best Shots - September 3 Winner Group of Seven Train Event Nearly Sold Out Sault College Statement on The Death Of John Rowswell Tree Knocks out Power Flying Into The Eye of Earl Youth Seen Entering Vehicles Kathy Missed Her Court Date Appearing In Bail Court Missing Person Alert LIVE Debate Scheduled For October 4 Friends & Colleagues Pay Tribute to Mayor John Northern Ontario NDP MPs Meet with Clement to Discuss FedNor Offshore Oil Rig Explodes in Gulf of Mexico The Check List For Next Week Archives

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS