Dear Editor,
We received a call on Monday regarding a number of abandoned cats found in an out building just east of Romeo lake. There are at least six adults and four litters with a total of 12 to 14 kittens anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks old. Some of the kittens, the older ones seem to of been socialized, as three of them will waddle towards you wanting to be fed. These cats will be provided protection, food ,water and veterinary care under the BARS umbrella. The adults we will try to re-home once fully vetted under our Barn Buddy program and the kittens will eventually go up for adoption in about three months time. We want to inform the public about a number of issues and concerns.
We want the public to realize that if you move, you have an obligation to ensure all animals residing on your property are being cared for and that new tenants or owners need to be informed of any animals that you intend to leave behind. If the new owners or tenants are not able to properly care for these animals then the animals need to be relocated to a responsible caregiver or shelter. Abandoning a animal is an offense under the Animal Protection Act ( refer to articles 2(1), 4.1(1) and 12(1) ).
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/A41.pdf
Individuals who choose to display such disregard for the lives of these animals need to be held accountable. The practice of abandoning animals is cruel, ignorant and irresponsible.
We would also like to inform the public of programs that exist within our organization to support animals in need within our area. Our organization includes a feline fostering program in addition to a “Barn Buddies Program” to assist in adopting out felines that are rescued from many different situations. These programs cannot exist without donations to support these animals in need.
Prohibition against causing distress
2(1) No person shall cause or permit an animal of which the person is the owner or the person in charge to be or to continue to be in distress.
Animal care duties
2.1 A person who owns or is in charge of an animal
(a) must ensure that the animal has adequate food and water,
(b) must provide the animal with adequate care when the animal is wounded or ill,
(c) must provide the animal with reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold, and
(d) must provide the animal with adequate shelter, ventilation and space.
2005 c22 s4 - Abandoned animal
4.1(1) In this section, “abandoned animal” includes an animal that
(a) is left for more than 24 hours without adequate food or water or shelter,
(b) is left for 5 days or more after the expected retrieval time from a registered veterinarian or from a person who for money consideration or its equivalent stables, boards or cares for the animal, or (c) is found on premises with respect to which the tenancy agreement has been terminated.
(2) A peace officer may take an abandoned animal into custody whether or not it is in distress.
(3) A peace officer who takes an animal into custody pursuant to subsection (2) shall deliver the animal to a humane society or caretaker.
2005 c22 s6 - Offence
12(1) A person who contravenes this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $20,000.
(2) If the owner of an animal is found guilty of an offence under section 2, the Court may make an order restraining the owner from continuing to have custody of an animal for a period of time specified by the Court.
(3) The Court may make an order under subsection (2) on any terms and conditions it considers appropriate.
RSA 2000 cA-41 s12;2001 c10 s2
