The Edmonton Humane Society has seized a large number of animals from a pet store in West Edmonton Mall after concerns were raised that the animals had been abandoned.
“Our officers responded and determined that the concern was justified,” Danika Bodnarchuk, supervisor of animal protection services, said in a news release Wednesday.
The humane society seized a large number of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
The seizure was made in accordance with the Animal Protection Act, which describes an abandoned animal as one that is left for more than 24 hours without adequate food, water or shelter, or is found on premises where a tenancy agreement has been terminated.
The maximum fine under the Animal Protection Act is $20,000.
No charges have been laid as the investigation is still ongoing, said Kylie Adams, spokesperson with EHS.