Animals left home alone - From Ottawa sun Thu Nov 10th

[melz]

The Ottawa Humane Society is investigating two separate cases of animal abandonment, including one in which five collies were emaciated.

Ottawa police contacted the OHS after they found seven abandoned dogs in a west-end house Oct. 27.

The OHS found five puppies locked in the basement and two adult collie-cross breed dogs on the main level of the house.

Three of the dogs, including the two adults, had to be euthanized because of their extreme aggression.

"Temperament is not something you can really alter in an animal," said OHS outreach manager Sharon Miko.


The rest of the puppies are being placed in specialized long-term foster homes to help them recover their health and become better socialized.

The OHS had trouble examining and treating the dogs because they were terrified of being handled.

STRONG ODOUR

In another incident, the OHS removed two cats, three kittens and a goldfish from an abandoned apartment in central Ottawa, following complaints from the landlord about strong smells outside the apartment door. There was added concern because the tenant had not been seen for several days.

Inside, the cats were found without food and water. The apartment was in disarray, with cat feces and urine everywhere. A sofa was found overturned and garbage and clothing was tossed around.

"It's difficult to say how long they were left without food, although it looked like a few days," Miko said.

No further details were given, including details about the animal owners. The investigation continues.

Animal owners can be charged for neglect and cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada, and can face a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail.