The Ottawa Humane Society says the number of surrendered dogs is significantly higher compared to the start of last year.
Seven abandoned dogs and puppies were found in the snow during the recent Ottawa winter storm and are now safely in the care of the Humane Society.
Four puppies were found in a park in Barrhaven, and three dogs were found outside the West Hunt Club’s Audi dealership, located next to the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS).
“The puppies are in good health considering the weather they were left out in, said Ottawa Humane Society (OHS spokesperson Stephen Smith. “They were a bit cold of course but they had no outstanding veterinary needs.”
Smith can only speculate on why these particular animals were abandoned, but he said there are many reasons why they see owners surrendering their pets. “(Owners) don’t see there being another option for their animals. They may no longer be able to care for them. There may be an unexpected litter that they’re not prepared for. There might be something that changed in their lifestyle that they are no longer able to care for their pet.”
If someone is no longer able to care for their pet, Smith the OHS is always available to assist.
“There’s no defensible reason to abandon an animal,” said OHS president Sharon Miko in a statement. “We’re always here to help pet owners who are struggling.”
OHS offers an emergency food bank for those struggling financially, and wellness clinics are available for those who do not have access to veterinary services and qualify based on their income, and they have accessible spay and neutering services.
While they haven’t seen a high correlation between dog abandonment and snowstorms, Smith says the number of surrendered puppies is significantly higher this year.
Last year between January 1st and February 15th, 13 puppies came into OHS. This year, they’ve received 32 puppies over the same time period.
Smith said they are unsure what is causing this trend to occur, but that they are monitoring it closely.
While the Humane Society does close its doors at 8 p.m. during the week, Smith says there are alternatives where people can drop their animals off. “Emergency vets are open, and Bylaw can sometimes be contacted as well.”
Miko urges anyone who feels surrendering their animal is their only option to contact OHS to ensure their animal is surrendered safely, as opposed to abandonment which can lead to distress in many animals.
