Alberta SPCA investigating reports of abandoned dogs north of Calgary

The Alberta SPCA say they are looking into reports of more than a dozen abandoned dogs in a rural area north of Calgary.

The investigation comes after the Shiba Inu Society of Alberta (SISA) posted online on July 31 about the “suspected dumping case” of several shiba inu in the Crossfield and Carstairs area.

SISA President Courtney MacLean tells CityNews she has never seen an abandonment case like this, where so many dogs of the same breed were left in life-threatening circumstances.

“One of the community members who reached out to us likened dumping dogs in a rural setting to a death sentence,” she says. “Without access to food, water and shelter, and with natural predators about, it is an extremely dangerous circumstance for them.”

“And this happened on days when the temperature was close to 30 C.”

The online post from SISA claimed there were around 13 to 15 of the dogs dumped in the rural area between Crossfield and Carstairs based on reported sightings, and that 10 were confirmed to be caught.

“The shibas who have been caught are reportedly in poor condition,” reads the Facebook post, adding that any caught dogs can be taken in to the Carstairs Vet or KCS Animal Rescue.

“But please do not chase,” says SISA. “These dogs are very scared.”

In an update on Aug. 1, the society said another shiba was turned into the vet in Carstairs. That same evening there was another reported sighting of a shiba near Range Road 290 and Township Road 284 east of Carstairs.

“As no one is certain how many dogs were released to begin with, it is impossible to say how many, if any, are still at large,” reads the update.

SISA says all the dogs that have been caught, or reportedly sighted, are black and tan in colour, and some are small in stature — meaning they are likely puppies.

MacLean is now reminding pet owners and breeders who are unable to care for their pets to never abandon them, and instead, turn to local shelters for help.

The SPCA says any animals that come into their care through the investigation could become available for adoption, but more information will become available later.