Yellowknife (Sep 12/03) - Plans are being negotiated to transport a number of impounded dogs from Great Slave Animal Hospital to Edmonton's Humane Society.

Since Harry and Pat Shermet were stopped by RCMP in their attempt to transport 64 dogs from their home on Highway 3 to Manitoba Sept. 4, the fate of their numerous pets appeared to hinge on who in Yellowknife was willing to adopt them.

Twelve dogs have since been adopted, but the Shermets still worry the others will be euthanized. The dogs were confiscated under the NWT Dog Act, which forbids owners from allowing their pets to run wild.

"We are in the midst of finding a location," said a tearful Pat Shermet. "We really want to meet the needs of the dogs."

Laureen Schidlowsky, general manager of Great Slave Animal Hospital, said they may have a solution. The Edmonton Humane Society has very few dogs right now, and they are in demand.

"They will be adopting them out starting with the young ones," said Schidlowsky.

The dogs would be transported by air to Edmonton. However, a total number has yet to be determined pending on what happens with the flight arrangements. Transport costs are also being negotiated.

"We are looking at about 15 to 20 dogs (to be transported) right now," said Schidlowsky, "starting with the puppies."

Stephanie McDonald, executive director of the Edmonton Humane Society, said it would be on a first-come, first-serve if the dogs were adopted out, but the timing is perfect because there aren't many animals there at the moment.

"If we can adopt out all of these animals this weekend, we will take in 30 more," she said. "It's just great that we can help."

Family still devastated

Nonetheless, the Shermets are still angry their dogs were apprehended by police.

"This has completely destroyed us," said Pat Shermet, noting her family still wants them back.

"They have lost sight of what they are doing to our family," said Pat Shermet.

The Shermets were given an eviction order from their homestead 10 kilometres outside of Yellowknife last month. The family says they have a 300-acre plot in Manitoba where they could look after the dogs.

Although they are devastated over the current situation, the Shermet's are grateful the outcome is not as terrible as once thought.

"It could have been worse," said Harry Shermet.

As for a hearing before a justice of the peace to determine whether the Shermets will be allowed to take back at least some of the remaining dogs, Insp. Paul Richards, detachment commander with Yellowknife RCMP, said a date hasn't been set yet.

"Nothing at this point has happened with the hearing," said Richards.

"There is no decision yet."