The Edmonton Humane Society is hosting an adoption event on Friday and Saturday to re-home over 500 animals, many of which were seized from a West Edmonton Mall pet store last month.
READ MORE: More than 500 birds, reptiles, fish seized from West Edmonton Mall pet store
At the end of February, the humane society’s animal protection department seized more than 500 small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish from My Pet. The store permanently closed after having trouble negotiating a new lease with the mall, and EHS became involved when someone contacted them with concerns the animals had been abandoned.
The animals were placed on a mandatory 10-day hold period, which has now been lifted.
“This will be the largest number of animals we’ve ever had available for adoption at one time, and our goal is to find each one a loving forever home this weekend,” Edmonton Humane Society CEO Miranda Jordan-Smith said.
“With the number and various species of animals currently in care, we want to re-home them urgently to ensure their optimum health welfare, and to reinstate our regular capacity.”
The animals available at the “Clear Our Shelter” adoption event will include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, lizards, snakes, arachnids, frogs, crabs and birds, as well as hundreds of fish.
EHS said most animals will be available for a reduced adoption fee of $25, while fish can be adopted for $1 each.
Dogs, puppies and kittens will be 25 per cent off the regular adoption fee. Normally, the fees for puppies are $485 and dogs range from $110 to $350, depending on size and age.
The fees for kittens range from $270 to $215, while cat adoption fees range from $65 to $165, again depending on age. Reduced fees are offered for pairs of dogs and cats that are bonded.
READ MORE: Licence your cat with the City of Edmonton and get a free microchip
The special pricing does not include animals at off-site adoption locations, and potential adopters will still be required to go through the EHS’ adoption process.
“Our mission in animal sheltering is to provide animals with a second chance at finding a forever home. We aim to have all animals adopted out by the time we close on Saturday,” Jordan-Smith said.
The investigation related to the seized animals remains ongoing. Charges could be laid under the Animal Protection Act, which carry up to a $20,000 fine and lifetime ban on owning animals if convicted.
EHS couldn’t say if or when charges will be laid, adding there is a six-month statute of limitations.
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