SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - A case of pet neglect that recently appeared before provincial court in Summerside is prompting the P.E.I. Humane Society to remind Islanders who can’t properly care for their pets that there are other options.
The case in question involved two shih tzus that were seized from a home in Summerside. The owner was charged and sentenced for failing to provide proper care for the animals.
The dogs eventually had to be euthanized as their advanced ages made their chances of long-term recovery unlikely.
The P.E.I. Humane Society posted a brief statement about the case on its Facebook page, Monday.
“We want you to know that these dogs were very well cared for before we had to say goodbye. They were bathed, groomed, pampered, read to and really enjoyed their mini walks with volunteers. Unfortunately, it became clear in time, with further tests, that they would not be able to recover,” it stated.
“Our very first course of action is, typically, to always educate the owners. We really don’t want to take more animals into the shelter – that’s not our goal. Our goal is always to keep pets with owners. But, in some cases, we cannot, and that’s OK. We’re there to protect the animal in any case.”
-Jennifer Harkness
Jennifer Harkness, development manager at the Humane Society, said that high-profile cases of pet abuse have resulted in a public that is more aware of and on the lookout for those kinds of situations. The animal protection line that the public can call to report suspected cases of domestic pet abuse is 902-892-1190, ext. 21.
Last year the humane society eliminated its mandatory fee to surrender an animal. If an owner can no longer afford to care for a pet, he or she can contact the society and have that conversation without judgment, said Harkness.
“Our very first course of action is, typically, to always educate the owners. We really don’t want to take more animals into the shelter – that’s not our goal. Our goal is always to keep pets with owners. But, in some cases, we cannot, and that’s OK. We’re there to protect the animal in any case,” she said.
More information about specific services offered by the P.E.I. Humane Society can be found at peihumanesociety.com.
