Alberta SPCA confirmed they are investigating reports of stray or abandoned dogs north of Airdrie.
“As this is an open ongoing investigation, I can’t share much more,” said Dan Kobe, director of communications.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and ask that in this case, like any other time, if they believe an animal is in distress in Alberta to call our Animal Protection Line at 1-800-455-9003,” Kobe said.
According to reports, the dogs are all believed to be Shiba Inu and were found between Carstairs and Crossfield at the end of July.
The Shiba Inu Society of Alberta (SISA) stated online on July 31 that they were following a suspected dumping case of several Shiba Inu in the Crossfield Carstairs area. They confirmed 10 dogs had been caught and were in the care of Carstairs Veterinary Clinic or a local rescue, but there was a possibility more dogs were still loose in the area.
“The Shibas who have been caught are reportedly in poor condition,” stated SISA’s Facebook post on July 31. “So far, all sighted/caught have been black and tan. Some are quite small in stature (possibly puppies or mixed breed).”
In an Aug. 1 online update, SISA stated the last reported sighting of the dogs happened at Range Road 290 and Township 284 at approximately 2:30 p.m. on July 31. Another Shiba was turned into the Carstairs Vet that morning after being found by a property owner south of the race track near Township Road 300.
They also reported that KCS Animal Rescue in Airdrie was caring for three of the dogs at the same time the SPCA began investigating.
“Animals that come into our care, through surrender or seizure may be available for adoption through our partner agencies in the province,” said Kobe. “More information about that will become available as we work through this investigation.”
SISA urged people to continue to keep their eyes open and notify people in the area. Caught Shibas can be brought to the Carstairs Veterinary Clinic or KCS Animal Rescue but people were asked not to chase them as the dogs appeared scared.
