Dog hoarders' home faces demolition

The residence in Gull Lake, Man., where 61 neglected and filthy dogs were found two weeks ago is facing demolition.

Councillors in the Rural Municipality of St. Clements will weigh a recommendation from building inspectors to tear down the cabin where Peter and Judy Chernecki kept  the animals, about about 90 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

The cabin is not structurally fit for habitation or even for storage, according to a report from inspectors that notes parts of the roof have caved in and the floorboards are not stable.

The building is also infested with rats, according to the report from the Selkirk and district planning board, which handles inspections for several jurisdictions in the region north of Winnipeg.

Council is set to make a decision on the report Tuesday evening. If the recommendation is approved, the Cherneckis will have two weeks to either appeal or tear down the cabin.

CBC News has not been able to reach the Cherneckis for comment.

Dogs covered in feces

Animal protection officers seized the dogs July 16. Many of the animals were covered in feces and some were injured.

Six were euthanized for various reasons, some for injuries believed to have been caused by fighting, according to the humane society's chief executive, Bill McDonald.

He has called the case a "hoarding situation" and one of the largest incidents of neglect the humane society has ever seen.

But Peter Chernecki told CBC News last week that he and his wife were only trying to help out stray animals abandoned at the local landfill.

Chernecki denies the animals in his care were neglected.

Authorities have not charged the Cherneckis with any offences.