Last updated Nov. 20, 2025. Updates will be added to this page as they become available.

NOV 20, 2025: We’re joining our fellow members of the Animal Welfare Coalition of Alberta to share a message about building a stronger animal welfare system – and how you can help make a difference for animals in our province. 

NOV 19, 2025: Yesterday, RCMP shared news of charges laid in relation to this rescue mission. As reported by several Alberta media outlets, two women in their late sixties have been charged with:

• Willful neglect of animals
• Causing unnecessary suffering
• Permitting animals to be in distress

We are extremely grateful that hundreds of animals now have a second chance. Please stay tuned for more updates.

NOV 18, 2025: It’s been a few weeks since we shared news of our large-scale rescue operation in Northern Alberta, conducted in collaboration with the RCMP and the Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF). At this time, we do not have any new information regarding the ongoing RCMP investigation. We’ll be sure to share updates as they become available!

Since the rescue, our team has been hard at work getting the animals settled, seen by our veterinary staff, and placed into loving foster homes. In total, AARCS has taken in 69 of the nearly 300 animals removed from the two properties.

We’ve also received a large number of inquiries from people hoping to find their lost pets. Every animal in our care has been scanned for a microchip or tattoo, and we’ve been diligently comparing photos of missing pets to the animals from this intake. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reunite any lost pets with their families. We truly hope every animal finds their way home safely.

This situation serves as an important reminder of how crucial it is to have your pets microchipped. It’s their best chance of being reunited with you if the unthinkable happens and they ever go missing!

On a positive note, we’ve also heard from individuals who had pending adoption applications with the previous rescue. We’ve been able to connect some of these animals with their potential adopters and begin the adoption process!

There are still a number of dogs in temporary boarding facilities waiting for a rescue placement to open up. If you’re able to help by fostering or adopting, it would make a tremendous difference and allow us to welcome more animals into care.

Thank you for your continued compassion and support. We’re excited to see these animals heal, grow and begin their new lives.

OCT 31, 2025: The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) and Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF) have been assisting RCMP in Valleyview with a large-scale rescue operation involving over 290 animals.

The organizations have been working with officials to plan a safe and organized removal of dogs, cats and some livestock animals from two properties operating as an animal rescue. The animals were living in extremely poor conditions and needed urgent help. Over the last several days the teams have been working around the clock to ensure every animal receives immediate care.

“What these animals experienced is simply not acceptable,” said RJ Bailot, Executive Director of the Canadian Animal Task Force. “We need stronger standards and real accountability when it comes to animal welfare.”

While AARCS and CATF are spearheading the efforts, it was a large coordinated effort of over 16 animal welfare agencies from across the province. The following organizations assisted in the four day mission, as well as took in animals to their organizations for adoption:

• Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)
• The Alice Sanctuary
• Global Animal Lovers (GALS)
• Peace Regional SPCA
• Pitbulls for Life
• Saving Grace Animal Society
• Second Chance Animal Rescue Society

Several other animal welfare organizations have taken animals from the case that will be available for adoption in the near future, including:

• Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue
• Bear Valley Rescue
• Central Alberta Humane Society
• Edmonton Humane Society
• Fostering Hope Animal Rescue
• Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue
• MEOW Foundation
• Next Chapter Animal Rescue League
• Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation

“Animal welfare organizations across the province are stretched thin, so we’re grateful so many were able to make space for even a few animals. With a rescue operation of this size, it takes a village,” said Deanna Thompson, Executive Director of AARCS. “We’d also like to thank the community of Valleyview for their support including feeding our volunteers, providing a temporary holding space for animals, gassing up our vehicles and much more.”

Animals who have yet to be placed will be temporarily boarded thanks to a partner boarding facility.

While AARCS and CATF cannot speak to details of the ongoing RCMP investigation, they are calling on the public to ensure they do their research when looking to surrender or adopt an animal.

Anyone interested and able to help is encouraged to make a donation at aarcs.ca/northern-rescue or CanadaHelps here, or consider fostering, volunteering or donating to one of the many organizations involved.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Alberta, while providing community support programs that keep pets and families together.

The Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF) is a registered charity based in Calgary, Alberta. Working in partnership with communities, CATF provides resources, veterinary care, and guidance to humanely manage companion animal populations, improving safety and well-being for both people and animals.