Report Animal Neglect and Abuse
Although the Lethbridge and District Humane Society in not a branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, SPCAs and humane societies rely on members of the public to help prevent cruelty to animals.
To report an animal in distress, residents can call 1-800-455-9003, or head to our website https://www.albertaspca.org. The info on how to report distress is right there on the front page.
As described on the Alberta SPCA’s website, the Alberta Animal Protection Act provides mechanisms to help mistreated animals and to hold negligent owners accountable for their actions. This primary piece of legislation, amended in 2006, is used to protect animals in Alberta.
Key aspects of the Act include:
- a definition of distress,
- detailed list of duties that must be performed by animal care providers,
- powers of Peace Officers,
- prohibition against abandoning animals, and
- other features
In order for the Alberta SPCA to investigate a concern, there must be reasonable grounds to believe that an offense under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta has been committed. The offense is to cause or allow an animal to be in distress. Distress is defined as:
- Lack of adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, space, ventilation and reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold;
- Injured, sick, in pain or suffering;
- Abused or subjected to undue hardship, privation or neglect
For More information, contact the Alberta SPCA or follow the links above to view key aspects of the Animal Protection Act.