On February 17th, The Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services announced that anyone involved in the current anti vaccine mandate protests within the city risks the loss of their pets.
One of the two tweets that were sent from their Twitter account read:
“Attention animal owners at demonstration: If you are unable to care for your animal as a result of enforcement actions, your animal will placed into protective care for 8 days, at your cost. After 8 days, if arrangements are not made, your animal will be considered relinquished.”
After this announcement, social media exploded with emotional reactions from people who live both within and well outside of Canada’s borders. Social media users’ reactions stood on both sides of the fence as it pertains to a “side,” but by far the most common response was confusion surrounding their intentions and the use of the word “relinquish.”
Commenters from all over Canada, and even the entire world, were wondering whether or not unaccompanied canine companions were immediately at risk of being euthanized. It was simply unfathomable to everyone that someone would think of potentially endangering fur babies in any way.
Speculation and arguing continued through the comments section until the Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services felt the need to clarify what would happen if someone’s best furry friend did indeed find themselves in this aforementioned situation.
The follow-up Twitter comment stated:
“No, after 8 days if the owner has not made contact with our shelter, or someone representing the owner make contact with the shelter to make arrangements, the dog gets put up for re-adoption through our shelter or other rescue organizations in the city.”
While this tweet did clarify that dogs wouldn’t be in immediate danger of euthanization, it too was met with an uproar of emotions.
Commenters were deeply concerned about the fullness of the surrounding shelters, wanted to know which shelter the animals would be taken to, and had many other pressing concerns. Animal lovers from Ottawa were even volunteering to shelter dogs, if needed. Much like in the United States, Canada too has many overcrowded shelters that are nearing or are already over capacity.
While many commenters voiced differing opinions on the fairness of the situation, it was clear that everyone just wanted what they felt was best for the animals. After all, our canine companions are more than just pets, they’re family.
H/T: notthebee.com
Featured Image: Twitter
Toledo, United States.
