ohmidog!

Humane officials are appealing to Montreal residents for supplies and help to care for about 525 dogs seized on the weekend — the largest seizure of dogs in Quebec’s history.

“We’re calling on Montrealers to open up their hearts and give a desperately needed second chance to these dogs,” Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International Canada, told The Gazette in Montreal.

On Friday night, officials raided a breeding operation in Clarendon, northwest of Ottawa, and began removing the dogs, a task that took until late Saturday night to complete.

Aldworth appealed for donations of dog toys, dog bowls and bedding. “We want these dogs to be as comfortable as we can make them,” Aldworth said. “We’re also calling on people to volunteer.”

The dogs – of 30 different breeds, some pups, some full grown — are being housed in an emergency shelter in Montreal.

Officials say the animals were malnourished, and that many had skin ailments and breathing problems.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department said the animals will remain in care until a judge rules on whether they should be returned to the owner or put up for adoption.

The dogs’ owner, Charlene Labombard defended her operation — Paws “R” Us — Friday, and said the investigation was sparked by a disatisified customer.

Labombard says the facility has automated feeding equipment on every animal pen and that the visiting veterinarian would have told her if the puppies were malnourished.

People who want to donate dog toys, dog bowls and bedding, or who want to volunteer, should contact the Humane Society International Canada at info@hsicanada.ca or call 514-395-2914.

(Photo: Rebecca Aldworth with one of the seized dogs. By Robert J. Galbraith / Montreal Gazette)