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
BREAKING Israeli military says it has carried out a 'targeted strike' in Beirut
The Israeli military said it carried out a 'targeted strike' in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday.
'It's disgusting': Quebec minister reacts after body of boy, 14, found near Hells Angels hideout
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
Woman nearly shut out of mother's will sues brother in B.C. Supreme Court – and wins
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
Cognitive decline reduced by MIND diet, especially for women and Black people, study finds
Following the MIND diet for 10 years produced a small but significant decrease in the risk of developing thinking, concentration and memory problems, a new study found.
Ontario man to pay $1,500 surcharge after insurer says his SUV is at higher risk of theft
An Ontario man says it is 'unfair' to pay a $1,500 insurance surcharge because his four-year-old SUV is at a higher risk of being stolen.
Montreal couple facing deportation to Mexico granted temporary residency
The Montreal couple from Mexico and their three children facing deportation have received a temporary residence permit.
Federal firearm buyback program has cost $67M, still not collecting guns after 4 years
The federal firearm buyback program has cost taxpayers nearly $67.2 million since it was announced in 2020, but it still hasn't collected a single gun.
Lawyers say former Harrods boss Al Fayed was a 'monster' who abused women and girls
Lawyers representing dozens of women who say they were raped and sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, the former boss of the famous London department store Harrods, said the case was akin to the crimes of sex offenders Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein.
NEW Health data collected from Indigenous Peoples in Canada has a dark history. One Indigenous company is turning that around
Software company Mustimuhw Information, which develops medical records systems built on a foundation of Indigenous traditions and values, is allowing health providers to capture data informed by cultural practices.