Seven Dogs and Puppies Abandoned in Snowstorm

Feb. 14, 2025 — During yesterday’s snowstorm, seven abandoned dogs and puppies arrived at the Ottawa Humane Society for care and shelter. Four puppies were found in a Barrhaven park, and three dogs were found outside of West Hunt Club’s Audi dealership, only steps from the humane society’s front door.

“There’s no defensible reason to abandon an animal,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “The OHS is always available for animals in need, like these pups, and we’re always here to help pet owners who are struggling.”

The snowstorm pups continue a concerning and unusual trend that has emerged in the first month and a half of 2025: 32 puppies have needed the OHS’s care compared to only 13 during the same period the year before.

While it’s unknown why these particular pups were abandoned, the OHS is investing heavily in greater supports for any pet owner whose struggles may leave them thinking of abandonment. Wellness clinics, pet food banks, temporary pet shelter, behaviour help and more are just some of the supports the OHS offers in a bid to help more animals stay with the owners who love them.  And for those for whom keeping a pet simply isn’t possible, Miko urges them to contact the OHS to make sure their pet is safely surrendered, rather than abandoning their pet and leaving it in distress.

“For stray and seemingly abandoned animals, we will always wait a few days for an owner to step forward.” Miko explained. “We don’t know for sure how these dogs ended up in their situation, and it is possible there might be a worried owner looking for them.”

Information about who the dogs may belong to can be shared with the OHS’s Lost & Found team at 613-725-3166 ext. 223 or intake@ottawahumane.ca.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca