Twenty-one cats abandoned in Rubbermaid totes at Sask. animal shelter

(Source: Lloydminster & District SPCA / Facebook)

The Lloydminster & District SPCA says 21 cats were abandoned at the doors of the animal shelter Wednesday.

A social media post says the cats were left in Rubbermaid totes at the Border Paws Animal Shelter.

“We want to remind everyone that abandoning animals is not an acceptable way to deal with unwanted pets,” the SPCA noted in the post on Facebook.

“Shelters are already operating at or beyond capacity and dumping animals at our facility places enormous strain on our staff, volunteers, resources, and the animals already in our care.”

The SPCA says animal abandonment can be investigated by authorities and potentially be an offence under provincial animal welfare legislation.

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In the post, the Lloydminster & District SPCA says it does not have space to care for the cats, and is in the process of looking for housing, supplies, veterinary care and foster placements for the felines.

“Please understand, shelters are not endless resources. Every animal that comes through our doors requires food, litter, medical care, cleaning, enrichment, and time. Most importantly, they need space - a resource we simply don’t have.”

The SPCA encourages anyone looking to rehome a pet to call first, rather than abandoning it.

“Dropping animals off and driving away doesn’t make the problem disappear. It simply transfers the burden to an already overwhelmed shelter system.”

The SPCA is asking the community for help dealing with the abandoned cats, including fostering, donating money for needed supplies or volunteering their time.

“We are exhausted. We are over capacity. But we will continue fighting for these animals and giving them the care they deserve.”