'Callous,' Alberta SPCA calls abandoning of kittens in St. Albert ditch
Animal welfare advocates are urging pet owners to spay and neuter their pets after two kittens were found abandoned in a child's backpack in the St. Albert area last week.
The six-month-old kittens were inside the backpack in a ditch.
The Alberta SPCA has opened an investigation into the incident.
“If we can prove that these animals were caused distress under the Animal Protection Act, then they could be charged under that act which leads to a possible maximum fine of $20,000 and or probation in place,” said Alberta SPCA peace officer Stuart Dodds.
The white and grey female kitten named Pixie and the ginger tabby male named Christofur were brought to the Edmonton Humane Society.
Two kittens were found inside this backpack in a ditch in the St. Albert area. (Credit: Alberta SPCA)
Aside from ear mites, they were found to be otherwise healthy.
They have been spayed and neutered and will be available for adoption from the EHS on Wednesday.
“Spaying and neutering addresses the root cause of pet overpopulation in our community,” said EHS CEO Liza Sunley. “In addition to being beneficial for the individual animal, it reduces unwanted litters and minimizes the number of homeless animals – and could have prevented these two young kittens from being left in the cold.”
“We understand the cost of the surgery can be prohibitive for some pet guardians, which is why all dogs, cats and rabbits adopted from EHS are already spayed or neutered, and we offer our Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program for pets already in homes when their guardians are facing financial challenges.”
More information about EHS' spay and neuter programs can be found online.
Anyone with information about how the kittens ended up in the backpack is asked to call the Alberta SPCA Animal Protection Line at 1-800-455-9003.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.