Shelter looking to return army of lost cats
Tiger, Whiskers, Fluffy and many other house cats are still sitting in kennels, waiting for their owners to pick them up.
The City of Calgary ’s animal shelter staff are expressing concern after more than 770 impounded cats have yet to be returned to their owners.
From January through August, the city says they have impounded 1,167 stray or lost cats and kittens on the city’s streets — a number the city says has doubled over the same time period last year.
Only 34 per cent of the felines impounded this year have been returned to their rightful owners.
“We’re seeing way too many cats come into the shelter, and not enough of them are making it back home,” said Patti Smadis, customer service representative at animal services.
“We’re unable to find many of the owners because the cats are unlicensed
We’re unable to find many of the owners because the cats are unlicensed and don’t have a microchip.
and don’t have a microchip.
“Sometimes people don’t think they need to license their indoor cats, but the reality is that mistakes happen and cats do get out. It helps to think of a licence as your pet’s ticket home.”
The number of impounded dogs is similar to the number of impounded cats, but of the 1,254 dogs brought to a shelter this year, 84 per cent of them have been returned home.
When an animal wearing a City of Calgary licence tag is picked up, officers will attempt to bring the animal home. If the owner isn’t home, the officer will leave a note to contact their local shelter.
Under the city ’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, if an animal is wearing identification, it will be held for 10 days. It’s considered adoptable after four days if the animal doesn’t have identification.
The city requires cats and dogs to be licensed at three months of age. Non-compliance can result in a $250 fine. The city also recommends microchipping your pets.
Residents who lose a pet can call 311 to report them missing.
Visit calgary.ca/animalservice for pictures of found animals at the shelter.
Helpful information about responsible pet ownership can also be found on the website.