Anyone who owns a pet has to accept the expected responsibility for it and to use common sense to properly care for the animal.
That’s the message Frances Drover, chair of the NL West SPCA, would like to drive home in light of two news stories this week of six cats being rescued from winter conditions in the Cormack area.
Then, late Wednesday afternoon, the SPCA shared a Facebook post referencing someone having witnessed the driver of a silver Honda Civic abandon a pet rabbit on the road going into Three-Mie Dam in Corner Brook. The bunny was caught and the SPCA is urging anyone with any information about this incident to contact them.
Related stories:
A second group of young cats plucked from Cormack in as many days
Abandoned kittens rescued from roadside in Cormack moments before snowplow expected
The first three kittens in Cormack, meanwhile, were found in a snowbank by a trucker Sunday. Three more kittens were found in woods near a street in the town the following day.
The cats were initially thought to be different ages, with the first three believed to be just 10-12 weeks old. However, the NL West SPCA confirmed Wednesday that a veterinarian has determined all six cats are believed to be around 5-6 months old, making it more likely they were all part of the same litter.
It’s still unclear why they were left on their own, but it is a matter of a police investigation.
Regardless, Drover said there is no need for any animal, whether it’s a pet or a farm animal, to be exposed to harsh elements for too long this time of year.
“I just can’t get my head around how this could happen,” Drover said of the cats in particular. “We will always take cats people don’t want and can’t get rid of. If we don’t have the space, we will find foster homes for them.”
With the SPCA and five cat-rescue services in the local area, Drover said there is plenty of help available to anyone who has unwanted cats.
She said sometimes people’s circumstances change, and there’s no disrespect in contacting the shelter when an animal can no longer be cared for. Animals are taken confidentially and no one knows who used to own them, she said.
As for people who do try their best to care for their animals, Drover said extra caution needs to be taken during winter.
“If you own a pet, you are responsible and have to provide basic care for it,” she said. “Some people don’t realize that is the name of the game now.”
Some tips on caring for pets in the winter
• Most cats don’t like cold weather and will avoid going out. If your cat escapes out into the cold, keep checking to see if it will come back in. If it’s gone long enough to generate concern, make posts on social media and contact your local SPCA in case someone spots your animal.
• While some dogs can handle colder weather better than others, none should be left out in the elements for too long. Extended exposure to freezing weather and road salt can lead to paw damage.
• Drinking water left outside for animals will freeze quickly.
Source: NL West SPCA
(This article was edited at 1:20 p.m., Jan. 10. 2018 to properly indicate the day the rabbit was found.)