**GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ONTARIO – July 10 – July 20, 2025**

Last week and during this past weekend, another disturbing situation surfaced with dogs in distress in the Wiarton area. The Animal Welfare Society (AWS) had been brought in to assist, and the outcome was a shocking revelation that the animal-loving people and taxpayers of Ontario need to know about.

A property owner in a rural area had taken on a tenant, Edwin Garcia, who managed a dog rehabilitation and sanctuary business known as Royal Bridge Sanctuary. Unfortunately, unexpected challenges arose on July 16. Having nowhere else to turn after his eviction, he pleaded for assistance for the nine dogs under his care. 

AWS inspector Dykeman informed Mr. Garcia, saying: "This is not a service we offer, we don’t have facilities," and advised him to contact local shelters and rescues. In response, Mr. Garcia immediately began reaching out to colleagues and various rescues, including the Humane Initiative, to secure a safe haven for these displaced dogs.

This situation highlights a larger systemic issue in Ontario's animal welfare network. Our shelters and rescues operate with limited resources and often struggle to accommodate sudden influxes of animals needing immediate care.

By signing this petition, we demand that the Ontario government allocate more funds towards expanding animal welfare resources, ensuring that no animals are left without care in urgent situations. We also call for the establishment of emergency protocols to support sanctuary owners like Mr. Garcia, who are doing their part in animal rehabilitation but may face unforeseeable crises.

Sign this petition to urge Ontario's government to take immediate action and protect our animals in need. They deserve a voice, and together, we can make a difference. Please sign and share this petition to ensure these dogs—and others like them—are never stranded again.