A large number of animals were seized at West Edmonton Mall after a complaint of animal abandonment came into Edmonton Humane Society.
A press release was issued February 27 with details about the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada animals now in their care stating
On Tuesday, February 27, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) Animal Protection Department seized a large number of animals from a local pet store located in West Edmonton Mall, after a concern was brought forward that the animals had been abandoned.
This is a large seizure of animals that includes, but is not limited to, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Due to the ongoing investigation regarding these animals, details are limited. We will release more information as it becomes available.
If you can help, we are in urgent need of monetary donations to cover the cost of the specialized care and supplies that these animals require. Donations can be made online here.”
Peace Officer Bodnarchuk, Supervisor of Animal Protection Services reported the “animals must undergo a mandatory hold period as outlined by the Animal Protection Act and once that period has passed, EHS can determine next steps.”
According to the Animal Protection Act (APA), Sections 3 and 4.1.
“A peace officer is of the opinion, on reasonable and probable grounds, that the owner or person in charge of the animal is not likely to ensure that the animal’s distress is relieved or to ensure that the animal’s distress will continue to be relieved, or the owner or person in charge of the animal cannot be found immediately and informed of the animal’s distress. Further, an abandoned animal is defined by the APA as one that is left for more than 24 hours without adequate food, water or shelter, is left for five or more days after the expected retrieval time where an animal is being boarded, or is found on premises where a tenancy agreement has been terminated.”
West Edmonton Mall management provided assistance during the seizure to ensure the animals were safely removed.
Updates will be posted on the Facebook Edmonton Humane Society community page.
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