Multiple kittens injured, 2 dead in disturbing string of animal abuse cases in Calgary
WARNING: Details in this story are graphic and may be disturbing to some readers
The Calgary Humane Society is investigating after a dead kitten was found in the southwest community of Kingsland on Monday.
Peace officers found the feline zip-tied to a fence.
A necropsy determined the animal suffered blunt force trauma to its head and abdomen.
The Calgary Humane Society says the disturbing discovery is the most recent in a series of "similar events" in the areas of Sandy Beach and Kingsland this summer.
Officials say eight kittens in total, all in the range of six to eight weeks old, have been found in public spaces in "various states of distress" since May 30. Of those, two are dead.
"In several of these cases, kittens’ paws have been bound and they have been covered in a tar-like substance," said the humane society.
Brad Nichols, director of enforcement at Calgary Humane Society, says it's incredibly concerning to see an isolated incident of this nature, let alone half a dozen.
"Given the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, this concern transcends animal welfare," he said.
Photos show three of six kittens that the Calgary Humane Society says were found in public spaces in "various states of distress" since May 30, 2024. (Calgary Humane Society handout) Anyone who has more information about where the kittens came from or who is responsible for the violence against them is asked to call the humane society at 403-205-4455, or to submit a report online at CalgaryHumane.ca.
The humane society is also using the incident as a reminder for the public to keep their cats inside.
"There is a bylaw prohibiting cats from running at large, but this may serve as a worst-case scenario on the risks posed to roaming cats, which would also include traffic, predation and disease," said a news release.
The Calgary Police Service is assisting the humane society in its investigation.
"We can confirm no one is in custody," police said in a statement. "The Humane Society enforces the Animal Protection Act of Alberta and police become involved if there is evidence to support criminal charges."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'You've got to feed the change beast': Experts look ahead to Liberal caucus retreat
With the federal Liberals set to meet for their annual caucus retreat this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the party, need to be clear about their policy direction and open to change, according to two experts and an MP.
Mother of Georgia shooting suspect called school to warn of emergency, aunt says
The mother of the 14-year-old who has been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of four people at his Georgia high school called the school before the killings, warning staff of an 'extreme emergency' involving her son, a relative said.
Opposition presidential candidate Gonzalez flees Venezuela for asylum in Spain
Former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has fled into exile after being granted asylum in Spain, delivering a major blow to millions who placed their hopes in his upstart campaign to end two decades of single-party rule.
The 33 most anticipated movies of the fall
Here are some of the most anticipated films of this fall, from large to small and everything in between.
King Charles attends church prayers on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death
King Charles III attended church near the royal Balmoral estate in Scotland for prayers and reflection in remembrance of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday, the second anniversary of her death.
Kentucky community told to stay vigilant amid manhunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ person of interest in interstate shooting
Residents are being told to remain vigilant as a manhunt continues for an 'armed and dangerous' person of interest in the shooting that wounded five people Saturday on an interstate in a rural area of Laurel County, Kentucky, authorities said.
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
Timeline: The rise and fall of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political fortunes
In the wake of the NDP withdrawing its automatic support of the minority Liberal government, here is a timeline of key events charting the arc of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's fortunes in federal politics.