Humane Society officials are reminding pet owners to take precautions to protect pets from exposure to the extremely cold weather and have seized a number of animals over the last few days.
Temperatures in and around the city are hovering near the minus 20 mark and officials say some people have been leaving pets outdoors without adequate, shelter, food or water.
“During the extreme temperatures we have been experiencing where the wind chill is dipping into the negative thirties, there is no excuse for leaving a pet outside without adequate protection or shelter from the cold. We have been run off our feet the last few days dealing with shelter calls as emergencies. The fact we have actually had to seize animals in these conditions is astonishing to me. We will absolutely consider prosecution in these egregious cases,” said Brad Nichols, Senior Manager of Animal Cruelty Investigations.
The Humane Society says pets should be kept inside and only let out for short breaks.
They say some breeds are more acclimated to the cold but they should also be provided with heated water bowls, proper shelter and watched carefully.
Offenders could face a maximum fine of $20,000 and a lifetime prohibition from owning animals.
Calgarians can report a case of animal cruelty or neglect by calling 403-205-4455 or online HERE.
