7 ‘snowstorm pups’ found abandoned outside during Thursday’s winter storm in Ottawa

Seven dogs and puppies found abandoned outside during this week’s snowstorm are now in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society.

Four puppies were found in a Barrhaven Park on Thursday, while three dogs, approximately one-year old, were discovered outside of the Audi West Ottawa dealership on Hunt Club Road, just steps from the humane society. Ottawa received 32 cm of snow Wednesday night and Thursday.

The Ottawa Humane Society says it’s unknown why the dogs were abandoned in the snow.

“There’s no defensible reason to abandon an animal,” Sharon Miko, OHS President and CEO, said in a statement.

“The OHS is always available for animals in need, like these pups, and we’re always here to help pet owners who are struggling.”

An employee at the dealership said someone in a van dropped off three dogs at the Audi West Ottawa location on Thursday.

“Saw this blue minivan loop around here and then they stopped right about here,” Mohammed Aldaqqaq said. “Then I see the front passenger hop out and they drop off a crate right here. Then they just back up and take off.”

Aldaqqaq doesn’t understand why someone would drop the puppies off at the dealership when the Ottawa Humane Society is just steps away.

“Why don’t they just take the two minutes to go inside and drop them off inside rather than leave them outside in the cold and the snow?”

The four puppies and three dogs have no outstanding medical issues. The Ottawa Humane Society says the dogs weren’t in “too bad of a condition” when they arrived.

“Which tells us they probably weren’t outside for too long. They were shivering, of course, as you might expect,” Stephen Smith, Ottawa Humane Society spokesperson, told CTV News Ottawa. “We’re happy to heat them up, get them the care they need, some food, water and, of course, a nice comfy place to stay.”

Smiths says while it’s a coincidence to see two sets of dogs abandoned on the same day, approximately 10 minutes away from each other, there is no indication the cases are related.

“It’ll be a little while before they’re ready for adoption,” Smith said.

“Every pet who comes to us is spayed and neutered. Before adoption, we do a full health check. behaviour assessment and make sure they’re ready for that perfect forever home. So, while these guys might not be up in the next few weeks or so, do keep an eye out.”

• Ottawa to see a one-day break from the snow, with 25 cm of snow expected this weekend

The Ottawa Humane Society says the “snowstorm pups continue a concerning and unusual trend” of dogs being abandoned. Thirty-two puppies have needed the humane society’s care during the first six weeks of 2025, compared to 13 during the same period in 2024.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Peter Szperling