The Municipal District of Bonnyville Public Safety Department is urging residents and visitors not to pick dogs up from roadsides throughout the municipality.
In recent weeks, concerned passersby have seen dogs on the side of the road, or in a ditch, and have stopped to pick up the animals to drop them off at the SPCA. In some cases, these dogs have been picked up near or even while on their owner’s property.
“Many rural properties are large, and dogs living on farms or acreages are accustomed to walking their entire property, often in the ditch,” explained Public Safety Director, Luis Gandolfi. “This is not typically a cause for alarm and these animals do not need to be rescued.”
If those residents believe it is a stray dog, they can report it to the Public Safety Department by calling 780-812-3332.
“If you pass a dog and feel it is in distress, please do not attempt to rescue it yourself,” Gandolfi said. “Instead, call us to report the situation. An officer will check on the dog and attempt to determine if it resides in the area, or if circumstances dictate that it should be picked up.”