It was an unusual start to the day for staff at the Winnipeg Humane Society.
On Sunday, staff were greeted by several different animals that had been abandoned on their property.
"Our morning staff came into our back parking lot to find quite the array of animals," said Jessica Miller, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society. "There was a box in the middle of the parking lot that was tipped over, it had cat food there with no animals in it. About 50 feet north of that was a dog tied to a tree by a rope."
The staff also found a box full of six rats in front of the intake department at the front of the building. Seeing the animals scattered around is what surprised Miller most.
"It was quite shocking and surprising to see all these different species being dropped off abandoned overnight in different parts of our property," said Miller. "We do see about one or two surrenders to our building monthly. It could be multiple animals or an animal. So, it's not completely uncommon, but to see so many different species scattered amongst the property was what was odd about this case."
Miller says although people may think they are helping their pets, in reality, they are actually putting them at risk.
"We've been full for a very long time, but I just want to make it clear, that we do have programs that could help some of these animals," said Miller. "We are here for the people and their animals. We want to keep them together."
She says they've created several diversion programs to help people in dire situations, including a food bank, programs for low-income spay and neuter, and low-income grooming.
"We do everything we can to keep animals in their best health and with their companion human."
Anyone needing to surrender a pet is encouraged to contact the WHS Intake team at 204-982-2021, so the animals can be brought into care during operating hours.