Numerous Large Seizures Strain Alberta SPCA Resources

Latest seizure brings 82 additional animals into the care of the Alberta SPCA

On April 23, 2024, the Alberta SPCA was asked to assist the RCMP during an investigation on a property in Mountain View County. Once on site, Alberta SPCA Peace Officers determined the animals on the property were in distress. As a result, 82 animals were seized and taken into care. They include:

  • 56 dogs
  • 10 sheep
  • 9 llamas
  • 4 chickens
  • 3 geese

All animals are currently being medically assessed at caretaking facilities. None of the animals are available for adoption at this time.

We use will partner shelters to adopt out animals when they’re ready and available. Watch the Alberta SPCA’s social media channels for more information.

Alberta SPCA New Van

The animals from this most recent seizure add to an extensive list already in the care of the Alberta SPCA. Since the beginning of March, approximately 250 animals have been seized by (or surrendered to) Alberta SPCA Peace Officers, most coming from four investigations.

“Our team, and the animal welfare community as a whole, is facing unprecedented pressure this spring,” said Alberta SPCA Executive Director, Leanne Niblock. “Rising costs of living, lingering impacts of the pandemic, and climate change leading to drought and wildfire just exacerbate the already desperate situation. These large rescues add enormously to the pressure, and to be blunt, to our expenses.”

Dog in crate

Most shelters and rescues in Alberta are at capacity, and all need help. Many organizations are looking for foster families to care for animals until they can be adopted to forever homes.

If fostering is not an option, please consider making a donation to help ease the financial stress Alberta’s animal welfare organizations face.

This most recent seizure has put a strain on Alberta SPCA resources. The care for the dogs alone will exceed $1,000/day, and this does not include veterinary care.

We urgently need your help to care for these animals.

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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.