Hazel’s Story

Last winter, our peace officers responded to a call at a rural property in Alberta. Inside the home, they found eight puppies, all less than a year old, living in heartbreaking conditions.

The dogs were confined to two small rooms with little ventilation and no access to the outdoors. Food had been scattered across the floor, shredded mattresses filled the space, and the dogs were living in their own filth without proper care or attention.

Among them was Hazel.Q2 DM Photo 2

A beautiful brown puppy, Hazel trembled as officers entered the home. Frightened and clearly neglected, she kept her distance from everyone around her. Sadly, situations like Hazel’s happen far too often. But thanks to the compassion of Alberta SPCA supporters, animals like Hazel get a second chance.

Hazel and her siblings were removed from the property and received immediate veterinary care before being placed with one of our caregivers to rest and recover.

That first night, Hazel stayed curled up in the corner of her kennel. She growled at other dogs and avoided anyone who came near her. Even though she was finally safe, it was heartbreaking to see how fearful and anxious she had become.

But just two weeks later, everything had changed.

When we visited again, Hazel ran over immediately, licking hands and rolling onto her back for belly rubs. Outside, she played happily with the other dogs, racing through the snow with her tail wagging.

It was hard to believe she was the same puppy.

In only a short time, Hazel was finally able to experience the safety, care, and love every animal deserves.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience animals can have when given a chance to heal. It’s also a reminder that this lifesaving work is only possible because of compassionate supporters.

Every donation helps provide veterinary treatment, shelter, transportation, food, and compassionate care for animals who have nowhere else to turn.

Because of that support, Hazel’s story became one of hope instead of heartbreak — and more animals can get the same opportunity for a better future.

Last winter, our peace officers responded to a call at a rural property in Alberta. Inside the home, they found eight puppies, all less than a year old, living in heartbreaking conditions.

The dogs were confined to two small rooms with little ventilation and no access to the outdoors. Food had been scattered across the floor, shredded mattresses filled the space, and the dogs were living in their own filth without proper care or attention.

Among them was Hazel.Q2 DM Photo 2

A beautiful brown puppy, Hazel trembled as officers entered the home. Frightened and clearly neglected, she kept her distance from everyone around her. Sadly, situations like Hazel’s happen far too often. But thanks to the compassion of Alberta SPCA supporters, animals like Hazel get a second chance.

Hazel and her siblings were removed from the property and received immediate veterinary care before being placed with one of our caregivers to rest and recover.

That first night, Hazel stayed curled up in the corner of her kennel. She growled at other dogs and avoided anyone who came near her. Even though she was finally safe, it was heartbreaking to see how fearful and anxious she had become.

But just two weeks later, everything had changed.

When we visited again, Hazel ran over immediately, licking hands and rolling onto her back for belly rubs. Outside, she played happily with the other dogs, racing through the snow with her tail wagging.

It was hard to believe she was the same puppy.

In only a short time, Hazel was finally able to experience the safety, care, and love every animal deserves.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience animals can have when given a chance to heal. It’s also a reminder that this lifesaving work is only possible because of compassionate supporters.

Every donation helps provide veterinary treatment, shelter, transportation, food, and compassionate care for animals who have nowhere else to turn.

Because of that support, Hazel’s story became one of hope instead of heartbreak — and more animals can get the same opportunity for a better future.

More animals like Hazel are waiting for help. You can fuel their rescue with a donation to the Alberta SPCA today.

 
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Abused or neglected animal

Under the Animal Protection Act, peace officers have authority to investigate concerns of animal abuse or neglect if there is reason to believe that an animal is:

(a) deprived of adequate shelter, ventilation, space, food, water or veterinary care or reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold,
(b) injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or
(c) abused or subjected to undue hardship, privation or neglect.

Does your concern meet these requirements?

Animal that is in immediate danger
Who to call

In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
403-205-4455
Calgary Humane Society

On a First Nation or Reserve:
Contact Band leadership or the RCMP

Outside Calgary, Edmonton, or First Nations:
1-800-455-9003 or complete online
Alberta SPCA

What you need when you call:
Address, details (must be firsthand), date and time, description of owner and animals

What next

If your concern is regarding intentional cruelty to
an animal, contact your local police or RCMP. If the
animal is in immediate danger, call 911.

If not, start again.

Abandoned animal

Stray animals and abandoned animals are different.
An abandoned animal has been intentionally left behind by their owner or caretaker, without proper care or intention to return.

A stray animal may or may not have an owner or caretaker, and is wandering at large (off the owner or caretaker’s property).

Wildlife

Contact a wildlife organization near you.

Who to call

In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
403-205-4455
Calgary Humane Society

Outside Calgary and Edmonton:
1-800-455-9003
Alberta SPCA or complete online

Is the stray animal injured?
Who to call

Companion Animals
In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
311
Calgary Animal Services

Outside Calgary and Edmonton: 
Contact municipal enforcement / bylaw office

Livestock
Contact Livestock Identification Services at 1-866-509-2088.
After hours, contact your local non-emergency police line

Short-term pet care during crisis

Review our materials

Surrendering an animal

Contact your local animal shelter.