Pet shelter calls for help with rise of animals needing treatment for frostbite

CTV Winnipeg: Animal shelter needs help Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter is calling for financial help.

Humans aren’t the only ones struggling through this latest cold spell. The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter sent out a plea for financial help to deal with an influx of animals needing treatment from frostbite and other injuries.

“The amount of frostbite injuries that we have had in the last month has just been overwhelming. No animal can survive in 45 below," said Carla Martinelli-Irvine, executive director of the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter. “We're in real trouble. Right now, it's day-to-day survival for us."

The shelter blames the post-Christmas slump and a sluggish economy for a drop-off in adoptions and donations. They’re now dealing with an overload of pets.

“The donations have just dried up and I’m not going to be able to stay open without help,” said Martinelli-Irvine. “I’m overrun with puppies and kittens. I’ve got many waiting to come in.”

The shelter cares for unwanted animals and adopts them out. They have been in operation since 1999.

If you would like to donate, call the shelter at 204-832-PETS (7387) or visit their website.