EDMONTON — The Edmonton Humane Society is urging pet owners to ensure their animals are kept safe after reports of cats being mutilated in Edmonton and St. Albert recently.
“EHS is gravely concerned for the wellbeing of people’s pets in the wave of these horrific attacks,” said a news release sent out Tuesday morning.
The humane society said RCMP in St. Albert are investigating two cases where cats were violently mutilated by people.
“We were shocked and dismayed to learn of these recent severe animal cruelty cases in our region,” said CEO Miranda Jordan-Smith.
In 2007, a string of 17 cat mutilations led to a joint investigation between city police, bylaw officers and the humane society. While it hasn’t heard of any recent confirmed cases in Edmonton, rumours have prompted it to issue a proactive warning to prevent another situation like the one eight years ago.
The society said pets should always be supervised when outdoors, and recommends people to avoid letting cats roam freely around the neighbourhood.
The warning in Edmonton comes one day after the Calgary Humane Society warned residents to keep their cats inside after several incidents where felines were found mutilated, severely injured or dead. The Calgary organization said it has investigated the death of 12 outdoor cats this year alone.
READ MORE: Feline deaths prompt warning to keep Calgary cats indoors
The Edmonton Humane Society said it has the power to enforce Alberta’s Animal Protection Act, which covers animals in distress due to neglect or abuse by owner. The society also said it is prepared to help police investigate wilful acts of cruelty like the recent attacks on neighbourhood animals, which is a criminal offence.
“How we treat animals is a reflection of our culture, community, and humanity. It is evident to us that we must continue the work that we do in delivering humane education focused on building kindness, compassion, and empathy towards all living things,” added Jordan-Smith.
To report animal neglect or cruelty in Edmonton, call the humane society at 780-491-3517 or fill out an online form. Cruelty concerns outside the city can be directed to the Alberta SPCA at 1-800-455-9003.
Comments