County presses province on Muskoka favouritism

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 18, 2020

JQ - Muskoka -2-web — An aerial photo of a dam between Horseshoe Lake Road 1 and County Road 21. Submitted photo.

The County of Haliburton is pressuring the province on inequalities it sees in how watershed management is being handled.

Councillors discussed the issue Jan. 22. They voiced dissatisfaction with the province creating a new Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group (MWAG) and providing it with $5 million in 2018 to work on watershed management in that area. They have expressed further concern after learning MWAG input would help guide watershed management across the province.

Council met with various officials at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, which ran Jan. 19-21. Coun. Brent Devolin said progress was made and the province heard from multiple municipalities on the issue.

“There is some recognition at the conference,” Devolin said. “This wasn’t the best and we may be engaged more productively as we go forward … They got the message loud and clear.”

Coun. Carol Moffatt outlined those concerns in a letter to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. After attending a consultation session with the citizen-led MWAG in November, she said she was told part of the mandate would be to help create a “broader comprehensive approach to watershed management in Ontario.”

She said Haliburton County and its partners have already worked extensively on improving area watershed management over the past 10 years.

“It seems odd that we – and our many partners, have no knowledge of the ministry’s work on a broader, comprehensive approach,” Moffatt wrote. “We’d be most pleased to offer our knowledge.”

In a response, the ministry said protecting the Muskoka watershed would help it develop a more comprehensive approach for other areas of the province.

“The Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group will help support engagement efforts with local organizations, municipal representatives, Indigenous communities, and the broader community to identify priority projects that could form part of the Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative,” spokesperson Gary Wheeler told The Highlander in an email. “Our government will continue to put forward smart, sensible solutions.”

The response did not directly refer to or address the County’s concerns.

Moffatt’s letter also takes issue with the MWAG not consulting beyond the Muskoka watershed and makes mention of the $960,000 Haliburton is seeking for its own watershed work.

She said she had a brief conversation with Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek at the ROMA conference.

“He didn’t say no to anything,” Moffatt said, adding she expects further communication to come. “He seemed interested in the whole innovative model we’ve created.

“We did hear from some ministers; they believe the money for Muskoka was political in nature. So, we’ll just keep pushing,” she added.

The ministry did not address this point when asked for a response by The Highlander.

Red Hawks struggle with premature season end

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 18, 2020

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JQ - Red Hawks - 1-web — Red Hawks forward Lucas Haedicke (#96) battles in front of the net during a game against Holy Cross Feb. 5. See page 18 for story. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Red Hawks boys hockey team dropped what could be their penultimate game of the season 5-2 Feb. 5 as they grappled with the prospect of their playoffs getting cancelled.

The Haliburton Highlands Secondary school team could not overcome the Holy Cross Hurricanes, who came out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. The loss game after two cancelled games for the Red Hawks, due to Trillium Lakelands District School Board ending school-day extracurriculars over concern for teacher supply during labour unrest. They were able to play their home game because it was scheduled at 4 p.m.

Coach Jason Morissette said losing out on the previous two games hurt the teams’ ability to compete.

“That hasn’t helped our momentum. We were on a pretty good roll there. We have still been practicing, but because we’re not getting those games in, that doesn’t get us ready for this game,” Morissette said The Red Hawks mustered a comeback, with Braedon Robinson and Reese Casey scoring in the first and second period, respectively, to tie the game 2-2.

But Holy Cross stormed back quickly, scoring two goals less than a minute apart to go to the second intermission up 4-2. Holy Cross would seal the game midway through the third period, going up 5-2 with 7:36 left to go. The Red Hawks would receive three late powerplays but could not muster any more offence.

“Our powerplay was not in-sync,” Morissette said. “They’re frustrated … Leaders want to lead, and they want to make a difference, so sometimes they try to do too much themselves.”

After the loss, the Red Hawks find themselves with a 4-5-1 record, good for seventh in the 13-team league. Morissette said they would qualify for playoffs, but they will not be able to play a road game unless circumstances with the school board or labour action change. They would need a top-3 finish to secure a home playoff round, which is no longer possible, with just one game remaining.

Morissette said breaking the news to the team about the chance of playoff cancellation was difficult.

“It’s difficult, the look on their faces,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen. You have to stay optimistic and positive. That’s all you can do.”

He added the team still relishes the chance to play the strong 7-1 St. Peter’s Saints in Haliburton for their last game of the season, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m.

In an interview before their game against Holy Cross, defenceman Isaac Little said the team would take everything out of its final two regular-season games as it could.

“I’m pretty proud of what the team accomplished this year,” he said. “We all saw the team improve a lot from the start of the season.”

Schmale talks network improvements, taxes with local businesses

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 17, 2020

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JQ - Schmale talke - 1-web — Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce executive director Jennifer Locke introduces Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale during a chamber connect event Feb. 11. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce members grilled Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale for progress on topics ranging from housing to connectivity Feb. 11.

Schmale, who was re-elected in last fall’s election, fielded questions during a chamber breakfast held at Camp Medeba, addressing subjects on the minds of business owners.

When asked, he spoke at length about the issue of internet and cellular connectivity. Schmale has helped push for federal dollars to come to the $213 million Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) project to improve coverage in the area. The project has now been in the works for several months but there is no firm timeline for its completion.

“I know many of you in this area are going without,” Schmale said. “I know it isn’t great. The going forward is how do we stop this piecemeal improvement scale that seems to be happening in many areas, especially rural Canada.”

When asked how people could support and press for better internet infrastructure, Schmale said the County of Haliburton is working hard to push that message.

“The conversation needs to happen on a grassroots level. That’s something I’m advocating for on your behalf,” Schmale said. “I know everyone’s being patient but at some point, your patience wears out.”

Chamber executive director Jennifer Locke also raised issues the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). She said the national chamber seeks a service delivery audit of the CRA to address communications problems and other issues.

Schmale said most of the calls his constituency office deals with are CRA complaints and he supports changing it.

“The tax system needs a review,” Schmale said. “If I had my way and I was king, you would have a flat tax, at least at a federal level, and make it fairly simple for you. I don’t think I’m going to get my wish.”

He added his party has had conversations about a large tax review, though those have not stretched on the other side of the aisle.

Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts asked about federal help for the housing problem. She described her daughter posting a place for rent in the area and getting inundated with more than 100 requests including plenty of qualified, working people.

“The municipalities can’t take it (housing) on by themselves,” Roberts said, adding it is harmful to employers trying to attract candidates. “Housing becomes a stumbling block and they can’t find people to come to the area because that person can’t find accommodation.”

Schmale said all levels of government have a role to play. He further said the conditions need to improve to get private developers to build needed rental units.

“Nobody’s going to build rental units if they can’t make a profit. It’s just the way it is, and the government can’t do everything because there’s not enough money,” Schmale said. “We need to ensure the conditions are right … Otherwise, those on the lower end will continue to get squeezed out or live in terrible conditions.”

Municipalities breaking through the ice for burials

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 15, 2020

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JQ - Winter burial workshop - 2-web — Kevin Baker and Jeff McIntosh from CemeCare Complete Cemetery Solutions speak during a workshop Feb. 4. Photos by Joseph Quigley.

Municipal officials and staff participated in a workshop to chart a path forward for bringing winter and green burials into the County of Haliburton.

The Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society hosted a winter burial workshop Feb. 4 to showcase how the practice could be brought into the County. Representatives from all four of the lower-tier municipalities attended to hear from expert speakers about the concept.

The society is pushing for the municipalities to start offering winter and green burials, which try to minimize the environmental footprint of traditional burials. Founder Terry Moore said he felt good about how the event went.

“Issues relating to moving towards winter burials got out there,” Moore said. “It was being discussed actively for the first time. There was a lot of engagement here.”

Winter burials are presently not offered anywhere in the County of Haliburton, given the increased difficulty of breaking through the frozen ground compared to summer. Green burials are a newer concept also not yet offered.

But City of Niagara Falls supervisor of cemetery services J.P. Narbonne showcased the variety of equipment his municipality uses to provide burials year-round, which can be purchased or rented out. He noted different conditions can impact speed in both the winter and summer months.

“Weather’s a huge factor. It slows us down, speeds us up,” Narbonne said. “Whatever you have, it will change how long it’s going to take to dig a grave or what you need.”

The workshop also featured a presentation from CemeCare Complete Cemetery Solutions, a contractor that services burials in a wide area and has winter options. They offered a quote for $1,125 to open and close a gravesite, with a $350 surcharge for winter.

“We have good working relationships with municipalities,” director of sales and administration Jeff McIntosh said. “We’ll get your grave open for you.”

Costs became a sticking point in the workshop, as staff asked about different models. The City of Niagara Falls keeps rates flat across summer and winter, but other areas vary costs based on season, as winter is usually more expensive. Moore said municipalities have a choice on the matter but added death is not equitable.

“It’s just the luck of the draw as to when you’re going to die,” Moore said. “Why should somebody’s family who happens to have a member die in the wintertime have to bear that extra cost?”

County Warden Liz Danielsen said all the lower-tier municipalities are at different stages and would have to discuss a way forward. But she added she is confident winter and green burials will come to Haliburton.

“It’s absolutely possible, no doubt in my mind. It may take a little bit of time. It may not be in all four municipalities,” she said.

Algonquin Highlands sets climate change targets

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 14, 2020

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Algonquin Highlands township in summer-web — Algonquin Highlands council voted to set new greenhouse gas reduction targets. File photo.

Algonquin Highlands aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 per cent per sector by 2030 to help combat climate change.

AH council received a presentation on Phase 1 of a climate change plan for the township from Korey McKay, the county’s climate change coordinator, at the Feb. 6 regular council meeting.

McKay outlined the township’s current standings going into Phase 1, which incorporates milestones for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduction targets.

AH accounts for 16.5 per cent of the county’s overall corporate GHG emissions, McKay reported. According to 2018 measurements, that’s 2,587 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per year. An example comparison would be 549 passenger vehicles driven annually.

The GHG inventory by sector shows AH has 79 per cent of emissions from waste, 14 per cent from the vehicle fleet, and seven per cent from buildings.

Based on expected population growth of six per cent between 2018 and 2030, AH emissions are forecasted to rise by six per cent by 2030 if no action is taken. However, McKay noted that current population growth projections now show a possibly higher rate, so emissions would also be higher.

She recommended reduction targets of 15 to 20 per cent for buildings, 10 per cent for the fleet and 10 per cent for waste. Suggested ways to do this included switching out four light-duty vehicles for hybrid or electric versions and greater education on waste reduction and diversion.

Mayor Carol Moffatt noted it’s difficult to set targets when factors such as costs are not yet known.

“Certainly, one of the considerations of changing over light-duty vehicles in Haliburton County is geography,” said Moffatt. “I would be cautious of having any kind of electric vehicle going 15 kilometres down a muddy cottage road for a building inspection, [whether] it’s got the guts to do what needs doing in a rural environment … That technology will change and we can keep our eye on it.”

Council voted to target a reduction of 15 per cent for buildings, 10 per cent for the fleet and a more aggressive 12 per cent for waste, and recommended that the county include the target in its joint Municipal Climate Change Mitigation Plan.

Highlands East plans fireworks restrictions

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 13, 2020

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Highlands East councillors voted 3-2 to prepare a bylaw restricting fireworks in their municipality to certain holiday weekends.

Acting fire chief Chris Baughman presented a bylaw draft at the Feb. 11 council meeting in response to direction from council last September. That direction was to investigate the introduction of a bylaw prohibiting the use of fireworks.

Baughman included that option in his presentation, but noted that, to his knowledge, there is not a total ban on fireworks anywhere in Ontario. He therefore added two other options for council’s consideration: restrict fireworks use to certain holiday weekends and times, or maintain the level of regulation already in place.

“We rarely find the events or the person who set [fireworks] off,” said Baughman as he described the difficulties in enforcing a fireworks bylaw.“[It] is my opinion that public education and messaging regarding current restrictions and safeties may be more beneficial than the introduction of a bylaw.”

Mayor Dave Burton and councillors Suzanne Partridge and Ruth Strong voted for the holiday restrictions option. Deputy mayor Cecil Ryall and councillor Cam McKenzie wished to see the bylaw written differently, such as including special occasions permits, and voted against the option.

With the vote, Baughman will bring forward a new draft of the bylaw for approval at a future meeting, which will restrict fireworks.

Baughman’s first draft, written with bylaw enforcement staff, addresses the holiday restrictions option. It states that use of consumer fireworks would be banned at all times except: Victoria Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the weekend preceding and including the statutory holiday; New Year’s Eve from 7 p.m. to New Year’s Day at 1 a.m.; and Canada Day between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the weekend prior to Canada Day, the weekend directly following Canada Day or on July 1.

“It used to be I would not leave my dog unattended” on holidays where fireworks were used, said Partridge. “Now it’s gotten to the point where it’s every weekend … it’s happening all the time. I don’t see having any special exemptions, just sticking to the holiday events.”

Other restrictions in the draft included the location of the fireworks, and permit and certification requirements for public fireworks displays. Flying lanterns will be banned from both sale and use. Anyone who contravenes the bylaw would be liable to pay an administrative penalty of $100 upon issuance of a penalty notice.

Two studies have been done regarding fireworks restrictions in Highlands East, Baughman reported. A township website questionnaire gathered 174 votes for a total ban, 174 for restriction to holiday weekends and 228 for maintaining current regulatory levels.

A Billings Lake Association survey covered 54 of 85 occupied cottages on the lake. Of the 48 responses received, 10 were for a total ban, 24 were for restriction to holidays and 14 favoured the status quo.

During an hour-long discussion, councillors considered Baughman’s three options and whether the bylaw draft should be amended in any way if the holiday restrictions option were chosen. Topics included eliminating time restrictions and allowing for special occasion permits.

“If we were to come up with a way to come up with permitting [for special occasions] as an option I would be totally in favour,” said Cecil Ryall.

Chief administrative officer Shannon Hunter noted that amendments may be made to the draft. Baughman confirmed he will amend the draft and bring it back to council.

MH budget goes to public meeting

By

Lisa Gervais

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February 12, 2020

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Minden Hills will proceed to a public meeting Feb. 13 after essentially passing its 2020 budget Jan. 30 – with a 5.3 per cent levy increase.

During third draft budget deliberations last Thursday, roads continued to be a major part of the talks.

The township is planning to borrow about $2 million for some major projects. They include: the Sunnybrook Bridge ($400k), Sedgwick Road Bridge ($160k share, should they receive successful funding), Millburn Road Bridge wearing surface ($10k), 0.9km of Bobcaygeon Road ($775k). Wilson said the other projects include the Shetland Road drainage project ($230k) and IGA Road ($375k).

While the township is debenturing for roads for the first time, Wilson said the overall roads budget is still down nearly $170,000 from 2019, which he called “a sad day for roads” in Minden Hills.

He further said there was a “pile of money coming out of reserves.” He added while the debenture does allow the township to complete multiple projects, “the annual debenture payment could have a negative impact on future budgets.” He said an example would be a new waste facility location for Scotch Line, which could cost between $1-2 million. He said in the absence of other funding, it too would need to be borrowed.

Also approved was 35.32km of mechanical brushing. This will be done on Bacon, Bethel, Claude Brown, Conway, Devils Lake, Plantation, Queen’s Line and Scotch Line roads. He noted it was less than proposed in the second round.

Receiving slurry seal and a minor rehabilitation are: Hunter Creek, Spar Lake and Hospitality roads, along with Spring Valley, County, Plantation, and Fleming roads.

He noted many projects remain off of the books, including the remainder of Bobcaygeon Road, Blairhampton Road, Peterson Road, village streets, Scotch Line and Davis Lake Road, and brushing of Irondale Road, Salerno Lake Road and Beer Lake Road.

“Although funds were found through the MMAH grant, 2018 Surplus, without those funds the Roads Department received a 0% increase from 2018 to 2019. 0% adjustments are often believed to be “status quo”; however, with ever increasing costs it results in a negative performance (going backwards, not stabilized),” Wilson concluded.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Schell said she gets called mostly about roads. “Is there anything else in there we can grab onto so as not to fall behind the eight ball on roads?” she asked.

“I’ve sat here for 14 years and I don’t want us to go backwards. It’s the one thing people see that their taxes go towards.”

There was some talk of upping the debenture to put more money into brushing but Coun. Bob Carter remarked, “no matter what money we spend, it’s going to end up as taxation.”

Under the environment department, the budget also paves for the way for the closing of the Irondale landfill. However, Coun. Jean Neville said she still wants a formal resolution to discussions with Highlands East about that township’s use of the landfill.

There are also plans to close all landfills on Wednesdays in winter, reopening them on Thursday. The rationale is to allow training since the township hopes to eventually bring the service in-house. Wilson said if council wanted to keep one open, he’d suggest Ingoldsby, between 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, then closed Thursday.

Carter asked it be a seasonal trial with a report back to council.

Users of the Lutterworth water system will see an increase of five per cent, or about $55 per user.

What it means for you

• A mid-range three per cent increase in “phased-in” residential assessment would result in a $57.08 increase in taxes – municipal share only; or approximately $4.76 per month.

• A five per cent increase in “phasedin” residential assessment would result in a $79.44 increase in taxes – municipal share only; or approximately $6.62 per month.

• A mid-range three per cent increase in “phased-in” commercial assessment would result in a $68.05 increase in taxes – municipal share only; or approximately $7.05 per month.

• A five per cent increase in “phasedin” commercial assessment would result in a $84.63 increase in taxes – municipal share only; or approximately $9.82 per month.

Student athletes upset as seasons cut short

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 11, 2020

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JQ - Sports cancelled - 1-web — Senior girls volleyball co-captain Emma Casey makes a diving attempt at a ball during a practice Feb. 3. The team is one of many at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School whose seasons are getting cut short. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

After weeks of effort, practices and competition, Haliburton’s winter student athletes are outraged at the prospect of their seasons getting cut short due to a board decision amidst labour unrest.

“All the blood, sweat and tears to get there and just, nothing,” junior girls volleyball player Kiera Casey said. “It’s so emotionally hard.”

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) is managing an end to extracurriculars during the school day. Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) was the only board in the province opting to do this due to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) pulling back from on-calls Jan. 20 amidst its labour dispute with the province.

The board has expressed concerns about classes getting covered if teachers are absent due to extracurriculars, now that union members will not cover for absent colleagues. The result is HHSS teams are unable to play games or tournaments during the school day, including playoff qualifiers and championships.

“It’s very upsetting,” Grade 12 student and co-captain of the senior girls volleyball team Rebecca Archibald said. “I’m pretty upset that they’re taking my way to actually be okay in school.”

TLDSB has asked for activities to be rescheduled. But Kawartha District Athletic Association chair Kathleen Carson said although they are willing to try and accommodate some regular-season games, it is not possible to reschedule championships, mostly due to time constraints.

“There are significant challenges to overcome and there is no universal solution for all sports or events,” Carson said. “We truly hope that as many league games can be rescheduled and that a solution is reached prior to any championship phase.”

District manager of corporate communications Catherine Shedden said the board relied on teachers to provide 318 on-calls across 12 instructional days in December to cover 159 classes. There was also 245 supply teacher events, an average of 20 people needed per day. The supply teacher list currently has 147 people, 54 of whom are unavailable in semester 2.

“We are concerned that we are not able to cover off all the absences required of our teachers, Shedden said.

But union representatives and students alike have pushed back and expressed frustration, given other boards are continuing sports while facing the same lack of on-calls. Games are already being hit, with volleyball teams missing tournaments and the boys hockey team having a road game cancelled Feb. 4.

“It sucks. We all want to just play sports and have fun,” hockey player Isaac Little said. “Really sucks that politics are getting in the way of that.”

Archibald said people might look down on high school teams. But she added students learn a lot of different skills. She added there are limited options for competitive sports nearby.

“We live in Haliburton. You can play club but it takes two hours almost to get to any closest club,” Archibald said. “I’m upset because I want to play as long as I can before I’m not in school anymore.”

Parents are also expressing outcry. A change.org petition asking TLDSB to reserve its decision has amassed more than 600 signatures.

As the labour dispute has continued for months, resulting in schools closing for strike days, Archibald described feeling helpless as a student.

“I feel like there’s nothing I can actually do to change it because it’s such a big issue,” Archibald said. “I feel small.”

“For the first time ever, I’ve been hoping to not have school cancelled,” Little said. “We want to play sports.”

County providing incentives for affordable housing development

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 10, 2020

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JQ - County rental housing -1-web — The Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton Housing Corporation recently completed the development of 12 new affordable rental units. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes want to educate developers through information sessions about incentives to create affordable housing.

The Feb. 11 and Feb. 13 events in Haliburton and Fenelon Falls will also invite housing providers, non-profits, landlords and homeowners to learn. The presentations will touch on several kinds of housing which can receive a boost, including new construction, rehabilitation and secondary suites.

City of Kawartha Lakes manager of housing Hope Lee said knowledge is limited about what programs are out there for affordable housing development.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding, too. I think some people think it’s just building larger rental buildings. It’s not,” Lee said. “It’s also about building affordable ownership homes. It’s about landlords who have units to offer that we can provide subsidies in. It’s about private homeowners who have the ability to create a secondary suite.”

The City and County have both committed to developing more affordable housing over the next 10 years, with the County aiming for 750 units and the City for 2,000. In a press release, the City said the municipalities would need outside help to meet the targets.

“The affordable housing targets set by municipalities are only achievable with participation from developers, community housing providers, non-profits, landlords and residents,” it said.

Lee said the presentation would discuss municipal plans and contextualize affordable housing in the region. She said they hope to get some expressions of interest to work from.

“We’re going to help people understand each of the program types. There will be an expression of interest roll out in a couple of months, we want people to know about that,” she said. “The municipalities have a set budget around them. They’re going to look at what’s recommended from the expressions of interest and what they can afford to approve each year.”

Animal cruelty probe underway in Minden

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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February 9, 2020

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JQ - Dog abuse - 1-web — A photo of one of the dogs alleged to be at a Minden Hills property under investigation for an animal abuse allegation. Photo submitted by Shanna Dryburgh.

Provincial animal welfare inspectors are continuing to investigate the owner of a Minden Hills property in the wake of an animal cruelty allegation involving 14 hunting dogs.

However, the owner denies the accusations. In a Jan. 30 press release, Haliburton Highlands OPP said they visited the property Jan. 22 and called the new Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS). Police said inspectors were working with the family to improve the health and well-being of animals on the property.

Ministry of the Solicitor General spokesperson Brent Ross said Feb. 4 that work continues.

“The ministry can confirm the inspectors are working with the owners of the dogs to ensure that orders are being complied with,” Ross said. “To date, we have seen positive progress in this regard, and we remain committed to bringing any outstanding matters into compliance.”

The property has a cabin but is not currently lived on, according to owner Brett Bongard. He keeps his hunting dogs on the property, chained to insulated dog houses.

The allegations stem from neighbours Shanna Dryburgh and Courtney Marlow. They described calling police out of concern for the dogs crying in distress and getting permission from them to come onto the property to help. They said the habitats were unkempt and Dryburgh described the dogs as emaciated.

“There were no dishes, water bowls to speak of,” Dryburgh said, adding she was shocked. “(I thought) this is wrong, this is so bad, my heart is broken. How can this be legal?”

“They’re unhealthy,” Marlow said. “I was saddened and just sick.”

The encounter prompted them to further contact authorities to press the issue.

But Bongard contests the allegations. He said he goes to the property twice a day to provide water and raw meat for the dogs.

He further said he understands where people are coming from and he has witnessed bad animal situations. But he added his dogs are not unhealthy and though they appear thin, the weight is normal for hunting dogs.

“They’re just in shape. People don’t understand that,” Bongard said. “A hunting dog has a job. It’s a working dog.”

He said he has been working with a PAWS inspector and has largely received approval for the setup, though he has had to make some adjustments, such as adjusting the chain size for some of the dogs and adding more straw.

Neither police nor PAWS have announced any charges against Bongard. Ross said given it is an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to provide specific details.

But Dryburgh remains concerned and said PAWS has not contacted her for updates or any evidence she gathered during her visit. She said she feels Bongard was breaking rules and the dogs should have been seized, at least temporarily until improvements were made.

“The laws are there. Why make the laws if they’re not going to be enforced?” Dryburgh said.