An increasing number of cats and dogs are being abandoned, either discarded at shelters or dumped in the streets, taking a toll on rescue workers and escalating fears that unwanted animals will face neglect.
A kitten squeals for attention at the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society. Staff at the facility are fielding 10 requests per day from owners wanting to surrender their pets.
The crisis is unfolding in communities across the province as shelters contend with chronic overcrowding. The trend began as COVID restrictions eased and has continued to escalate alongside the cost of living. "If you've taken on care of that animal, it's now your responsibility to make sure that you moved on to its next home in a safe way."Erin Deems, executive director at Saving Grace Animal Rescue Society in Alix, 55 kilometres northeast of Red Deer, said with so many animals being given up, there is no longer space to house them all.
Amid soaring inflation, the problem has only grown worse. Some people can no longer afford their pets or find pet-friendly homes within budget. Staff are attempting to prioritize the most vulnerable animals but each new case pushes the society further past capacity and puts more pressure on its limited budget, Deems said.Edmonton-based Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue stopped accepting surrenders from the public about a year ago due to capacity constraints.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Agricultural disasters' spread in Alberta, but local leaders say Ottawa's ignoring requests for helpPincher Creek, in southwest Alberta, has became the latest of at least 13 jurisdictions to declare a state of agricultural disaster.
Read more »
'Agricultural disasters' spread in Alberta, but local leaders say Ottawa's ignoring requests for helpPincher Creek, in southwest Alberta, has became the latest of at least 13 jurisdictions to declare a state of agricultural disaster.
Read more »
Heat warning in place for Calgary, much of southern AlbertaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning late Sunday for much of southern Alberta as temperatures soar above 30 C.
Read more »
Heat warning in place for Calgary, much of southern AlbertaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning late Sunday for much of southern Alberta as temperatures soar above 30 C.
Read more »
Politics Briefing: Canadian Forces members deployed to wildfires along the Alberta-Northwest Territories boundaryThe military deployment, scheduled until Aug. 29, underscores the impact of an unprecedented wildfire season
Read more »
Alberta Mountie charged with theft after seized items taken from Blackfalds detachmentCorporal Brandon Smith has been charged with two counts each of theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Read more »