A woman has been charged for allegedly keeping 42 animals in their own filth -- in connection with Edmonton's first puppy-mill bust six months ago.

And officials at the Edmonton Humane Society fear it's only the tip of the iceberg.

"This was a sign there were people out there breeding without the welfare of the animals in mind," said Shawna Randolph, spokeswoman for the humane society.

Charges against May Poon, of Edmonton, include failing to provide food and water, keeping animals in distress, failing to provide adequate care when the animal is wounded or ill and failing to provide adequate shelter, ventilation and space.

The charges have been levelled by the Edmonton Humane Society under Alberta's Animal Protection Act.

Rows of tiny cages were uncovered in a home at 17215 60 Ave. on April 1, according to the humane society. There were 32 dogs and 10 cats found, some with bleeding cuts, others too weak to walk. They were allegedly lying in their own feces and urine.

Many were left with uterine tract infections and severe dental problems, says the humane society.

The puppies have all been adopted, but some face ongoing dental and house-training issues, said Randolph.

Poon will appear in court Oct. 28.

"We just really hope that the court system will have a situation where (the person responsible) will not be allowed to care for animals in the future. That's what we're hoping for -- prohibition," said Randolph.

The problem is much bigger than one operation, said Randolph.

"The (humane society) is confident there are other puppy mills in Edmonton yet to be uncovered," she said.

There are still "designer" breed dogs being dropped off occasionally at the humane society shelter.

It raised red flags before the current case, said Randolph, but the trend hasn't waned since the operation was busted.

"These are breeds that reputable breeders would not make," she said.

She said a large portion of labradoodles and poo-poms -- inter-species breeds -- are raised in puppy mills.

That sort of cross breeding has taken hold in Eastern Canada and the U.S., she said. Now the operations are spreading west.

"We knew it was a matter of time before one showed up here," said Randolph.

The humane society is asking neighbours to sniff out suspicious signs and report possible puppy mill houses in the city.

"If they suspect that their neighbour could be running a puppy mill, that call would not make them a bad neighbour. It could potentially save an animal's life," she said.

RICHARD.LIEBRECHT@SUNMEDIA.CA