Think before making pet commitment: humane society, city

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This article was published 10/06/2024 (495 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Humane Society is begging Winnipeggers not to dump unwanted animals at their doorstep.

The reminder comes after 10 animals were left abandoned on their property Friday. On Saturday morning, staff found a box with six rats at the door of the building, a springer spaniel dog tied to a tree and an adult cat and two kittens roaming the property.

A note with the box of rats said the person had been left homeless and could no longer care for the pets.

“We’ve been in an intake crisis for a couple years now, starting post-COVID-19, which makes it really tough to take animals that are not planned,” Winnipeg Humane Society CEO Jessica Miller said.

She said surrendering an animal should only be the worst-case scenario option.

“We want to keep people with their animals. Every time someone surrenders an animal, it just takes up one more spot in the shelter,” Miller said.

Leland Gordon, general manager for city’s animal services department, said there are too many unwanted dogs and cats in Manitoba.

“The number one solution to that isn’t building more and more animal shelters. The number one solution to that is people thinking long and hard before they get a dog or cat,” Gordon said.

Gordon said people who suddenly find themselves unable to care for a pet need to do their best to keep them out of shelters.

“They should be talking to their friends, their family and their co-workers. They should be making posts on community social media pages, like Facebook and Instagram.”

The humane society says it sees two cases a month on average of abandoned animals on their property, which Miller said stretches already thin resources.

In May, animal services officers seized 68 dogs from a Winnipeg home and the humane society boarded the dogs in their shelter. The charity also claimed an additional 117 animals that same month.

While Miller understands that times are tough for people financially, she said there are always options.

“If people take the time, research our programs and call us during regular hours, we may be able to help them,” Miller said.

The humane society provides services like a pet food food bank, community support networks, and low-cost vet care for pet owners in need.

matthew.frank@freepress.mb.ca