Charges pending in abandoned animals cases
Ottawa Humane Society
Thursday, November 10, 2005
OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is investigating two separate cases of animal abandonment that occurred in Ottawa at the end of October.
On October 26, OHS agents removed 2 cats, 3 kittens and a goldfish from an abandoned apartment in Ottawa Centre following complaints from the landlord about strong smells outside the apartment door and the landlord’s concern that the tenant had been away for several days. Inside the apartment, the cats were found with no food or water. The apartment itself was in disarray, with a sofa overturned and garbage and clothing strewn everywhere.
“There was cat feces and urine everywhere,” says OHS agent Tim Brown. “The animals appeared to have been alone for several days. We don’t know how long they were without food or water.”
The cats, although thin and hungry, were otherwise healthy and will be placed in the OHS’s foster program until they are healthy enough to be placed for adoption.
In a second incident, OHS agents removed seven dogs from an abandoned house in Ottawa West on October 27. Ottawa Police contacted the OHS for assistance when they discovered the animals in the abandoned house. Upon entering the dwelling, OHS agents found five puppies locked in the basement and two adult dogs on the main level of the house.
The dogs, which were immediately taken into the OHS’s care, included two adults and five Collie-cross puppies. The puppies were all emaciated, with bones protruding noticeably. The dogs were all very undersocialized.
“We had a lot of problems examining them, because many were so terrified of being handled,” says Miriam Smith, OHS Inspector.
Three of the dogs, including the two adults, were humanely euthanized because they were extremely aggressive. The four remaining puppies are being placed into specialized long-term foster homes so that they can recover their health and become better socialized.
“These dogs have a long road ahead of them,” says Inspector Smith. “We’re thankful for the community’s support, which will hopefully provide these pups with a second chance.”
For media enquiries, contact: Sharon Miko, Outreach Manager 725-3166, ext 261; 277-3125 (cell).
A word about the Ottawa Humane Society: The Ottawa Humane Society is a registered charity founded in 1888. The Society works in and with the community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions, and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray or homeless.
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