Owner of 8 pups prepared to move if not granted an exemption to township's dog bylaw

An Everett, Ont. woman finds herself in a bit of a dog fight with the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio after being told she has too many puppies.

Vera Dos Santos has eight dogs after one of her American bullies gave birth to a litter of five. The local bylaw states homeowners are allowed up to three canines.

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Dos Santos said her dogs are her family. “I see them as like my kids, and I know I sound a little odd to some people, but they are.”

The woman said the pups' mom became ill after delivering the puppies, so Dos Santos and her husband have had to care for them, including bottle feeding for several weeks, which created a special bond between the couple and the pups.

Dos Santos plans to ask council for a special exemption to the bylaw dog limit.

“If they decide that no, we are not going to give you an extension, no you can’t have the dogs, they can essentially come in and order my dogs to be taken away,” she explained, adding she isn’t sure who complained or why.

“They are my family. Would you give away family? Would you give away kids? Like, to me, they are my kids, and unfortunately, I am not going to give my kids away. I see them as that, and you know, people can have 10 kids, nobody can limit you to the amount of children you have. I see them as part of my family,” Dos Santos said.

Adjala-Tosorontio Mayor Scott Anderson said the first objective is to always provide education regarding bylaws and to seek compliance.

“Regulating bylaws, such as the canine control bylaw, protect the safety and well-being of residents. The delegation process provides a transparent method for residents to seek exemptions to bylaws. As mayor, I will support the decision of council,” Anderson said.

Dos Santos plans to seek an exemption before council Wednesday evening. She said that under no circumstances would she give up the dogs, adding she is prepared to move if it comes to that.