As the temperature is predicted to plummet tonight and remain cold throughout Friday, the Ottawa Humane Society is warning pet owners about the dangers cold weather can pose to pets — especially cats allowed to roam outdoors.
The OHS is encouraging members of the public who find stray cats in the cold to contact 613-725-3166 ext. 221 to ensure the cat can return home safely or to arrange for the cat to be brought to the OHS. If a cat is in danger, call Ottawa By-law Services at 3-1-1.
The Ottawa Humane Society is urging pet owners to take caution this week as a flash freeze is expected on Friday accompanied by heavy winds and snow, leading into a weekend with the coldest temperatures of the season to date.
“Every year, cats left out in the cold suffer from frostbite and other injuries, and are brought to the OHS,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “A cat’s situation can change quickly in extreme weather — what was once an enjoyable stroll can become a matter of life and death with little warning.”
Last week, Dottie, a badly injured two-year-old Labrador retriever, was found on March Road and brought to the Ottawa Humane Society. Minutes after she arrived, blood started pouring from her mouth.
The OHS veterinary team quickly sedated Dottie and discovered the extent of her wounds. She had suffered multiple bites on her face and legs, and an acrid smell hung around her, suggesting she had been pepper sprayed. She was bathed to clear away the chemical and dried blood.
Donations made towards the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) will be doubled until Tuesday, Nov. 29.
“It’s incredible how our community has rallied to save lives and help complete so many families,” said OHS President & CEO, Sharon Miko. “If you’ve ever thought about donating to help Ottawa’s most vulnerable pets, this is a great time to make a huge difference.”
The Ottawa Humane Society Board of Directors has announced the successful candidate for the position of President & CEO. Sharon Miko, the current Director of Operations for the organization, begins the new role in mid-November. The news comes four months after the announcement of current CEO Bruce Roney’s retirement.
The Ottawa Humane Society is advising pet owners to not dress up their pets for Halloween. The OHS says that at best your pet will not care they are dressed up, and at worst, the costume could stress out or injure your pet.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, Howl-o-ween, a spook-tacular event for the whole family, returns to the OHS. From 1 – 3:30 p.m., all are welcome to come to the OHS for free Halloween fun, including:
Creepy, crawly crafts;
A phantasmagorical photo booth;
A devilish craft sale; and,
Reverse trick-or-treating where goblins and ghouls can deliver treats to Ottawa’s homeless animals.
More than 40 animals are currently waiting for foster homes at the Ottawa Humane Society, and some have been waiting for more than a month.
“The summer is when our need for foster homes is the greatest,” said Kestrel Wraggett, OHS manager: volunteers. “We’ve never seen wait times like this before. Usually it only takes an animal about three to five days to find a foster home.”
Last night, seven rabbits were found abandoned on the shared yard of an apartment building near McEwan Avenue in Ambleside and brought to the Ottawa Humane Society.
The OHS had recently declared the week of July 24 to 30 as Rabbit Week in an effort to find homes for the more than 20 rabbits already in its care.
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