Many pets and animals were abandoned after their owners fled the wildfire engulfing the northern Alberta area. Some people were away and those looking after their pets simply left without them. Others were at work when they were forced to evacuate and were not allowed to go home to get their furry friends.
A group headed by Sam Sansalone rescued about 230 cats and dogs on Wednesday and Thursday and the group has a Facebook page, Fort Mac-Pet Rescue, to try and match the pets with their owners. But Sansalone was stopped by police on Thursday from rescuing more. Police are concerned houses will be looted by people pretending to enter homes in order to save pets. Sansalone said he understands this concern but the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, in charge of animal control in the area, does not have sufficient resources at this time to do the job. He thinks civilians like his group should be allowed to help.
Pet owners who have tried to go back to Fort McMurray to get their furry companions have also been stopped by police because of the evacuation order.
Most rescued cats and dogs have been sent to Edmonton and some to Calgary and are being cared for by AARCS. On the society’s Facebook page, AARCS urges those who left pets or other in Fort McMurray to fill in an online form so owners can be matched with their pets.
AARCS said they will care for these pets until they can be reunited with their owners. According to AARCS, many local businesses such as kennels and dog food companies have stepped up to help with the animals as well as several animal groups and humane societies.
As well as pets, other animals such as pigs and horses have also been rescued and are being cared for just outside of the fire zone.
Reuniting people with their animals has been made a lot easier by the use of social media.
