The Calgary Humane Society says its shelter is over capacity after a mass seizure of 53 dogs, three cats and two turtles from a home in northeast Calgary.
The society said the animals, which were seized on Oct. 5, were living in unsanitary conditions and are suffering from a variety of medical issues.
Manager of cruelty investigations Brad Nichols said the animals have “been cleaned up and we are in the process of treating them medically.”
“We have high hopes the majority of them will make it up for adoption.”
Watch below: Phil Fulton from the Calgary Humane Society explains capacity issues at the shelter during his Pet of the Week segment
Nichols said the society was acting on a public complaint when the animals were seized and that “charges are certainly on the table.” Until the investigation is done, they can’t say if and what charges could be laid.
“That volume of animals would be concerning and be very difficult to take care of properly for anyone, nearly a full-time job if not more,” Nichols said.
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“What you typically see in these situations is people getting overwhelmed with the numbers and while they may have started off with good intentions, they get overwhelmed, the care drops off and it can get out of control real quick.”
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Nichols said in addition to filling the shelter, many of the animals will require ongoing medical care and behavioural support.
The seizure “continues a recent trend of mass intakes,” said the society, noting over 309 animals have been admitted to the facility over the past two weeks. That compares with 205 animals admitted during the same time period last year.
Executive director Carrie Fritz is issuing a public plea for help.
“Support in the form of donations is always greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of care and the public can also help by volunteering, fostering and adopting,” she said.
These intakes come just as Calgary Humane Society prepares for one of its largest fundraising events of the year, Cocktails for Critters, held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Westin Calgary.
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