Concerns mount for welfare of animals seized from pet care business in July

EPS executed a search warrant at B.a.r.k. on 93 St. and 111 Ave. Friday, July 19, and seized 46 dogs, and 7 cats in the process.

Officials are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of dozens of pets left unclaimed after the owners of a north-side animal care business were arrested and charged in July, resulting in more than 50 pets being seized.

On July 22, police announced the owners of B.A.R.K., Ali Sanaee, 36, and Jessica Fookes, 25, were each facing charges of failing to provide proper care of an animal, causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal and possession of stolen property.

The announcement came after officers executed a search warrant at the business, located in the area of 93 Street and 111 Avenue, and seized 46 dogs and seven cats.

Police said the investigation had been sparked after 15 complaints were filed with police between May 2012 and July 2013 – reporting claims of inhumane treatment of animals, possession of a stolen dog, and bad living conditions for the animals.

Investigators said at the time that there were stark differences between that facility, and others.

“Animals are generally kenneled individually or grouped with size-liked dogs,” Staff Sgt. Malcolm Allan said in late July. “This was essentially an open room, or open area in a commercial location where dogs were allowed to roam within a confined room or space.”

Officers also said at the time that animal feces and urine covered the floor.

“It was cleaned daily,” Sanaee said. “When you have 40, 50 animals, you’ve got to clean 3, 4 times a day.”

In addition, Fookes responded to allegations that cattle prods were used in the facility to control the dogs.

“It was used occasionally to break up real fights,” Fookes said. “The reason we used that was so dogs didn’t get hurt, hurt each other a lot more than a little shock – it’s the same as a shock collar.”

Weeks later, officials said about two dozen animals have not been claimed, and are homeless – some of those animals belong to the accused – but the costs of kenneling the homeless pets could be very high.

“It’s about $8,000 or more to look after these animals for a year and they’re basically living in kennels for a year as they wait for the proceedings to be completed,” Crown Prosecutor Christian Lim said.

Now, the Crown is filing an application with the courts, so new homes can go to new homes.

“What we want to do is allow Edmonton Police Service that currently holds the exhibits, these animals are technically exhibits, to be able to allow these animals to be fostered out at least or adopted out,” Lim said. “To people who want to have animals that can play with them, look after them, socialize with them.”

For now, Sanaee and Fookes hope to one day be reunited with their pets – and reopen their business.

A judge is expected to make a decision on the welfare of the pets August 23.

With files from Brenna Rose