Calgary: Several Animals Seized During Extreme Cold Snap

The Calgary Humane Society says it has seized five dogs left outside in the bitter cold this week.

With the extreme cold forecasted for the next several days, Calgary Humane Society officials are reminding pet owners to be vigilant when leaving their animals outdoors. In just the past few days, several warnings have been issued and pets have been seized due to being left outdoors without adequate food, water or shelter from the elements.

Brad Nichols, Senior Manager, Animal Cruelty Investigations said, “during the extreme temperatures we have been experiencing where the wind chill is dipping into the negative thirties, there is no excuse for leaving a pet outside without adequate protection or shelter from the cold. We have been run off our feet the last few days dealing with shelter calls as emergencies. The fact we have actually had to seize animals in these conditions is astonishing to me. We will absolutely consider prosecution in these egregious cases.”

The maximum sentence under the Animal Protection Act is a $20,000 fine and a lifetime prohibition from owning an animal.

During periods of extreme cold the best place for your pet is indoors with the exception of short periods of exercise or to do their business. Even certain breeds that are more acclimatized to cold conditions should be watched carefully and given heated water bowls and proper housing to provide relief from the wind and cold.

Calgarians who wish to report a case of animal cruelty or neglect call the Humane Society at 403-205-4455 or report online at calgaryhumane.ca/cruelty.

Agencies/Canadajournal