Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
(Lethbridge News Now)

Officials investigating after deceased dog discovered in ditch near Lethbridge

Mar 31, 2022 | 3:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – Officials with Lethbridge County are troubled by what they say was an “inappropriate method” of disposing of a deceased pet.

Last week, the public works department received a call about illegal dumping near the Mountain Meadows subdivision just west of Lethbridge.

Crews attended the area and found a large, deceased dog that had been wrapped in a blanket and dumped in a ditch.

Jeremy Wickson, Director of Public Works, says not only is the dumping of items of any kind on public or private property illegal, but the way this particular case was handled was inappropriate.

“Staff who discovered the deceased dog were quite shaken. To see a pet so coldly dumped in a ditch is upsetting and disappointing. There are options for pet owners to deal with remains, and this is not the right way.”

There are several companies in the area that offer cremation services for animals. Alternatively, deceased animals can be taken to the City of Lethbridge’s Waste and Recycling Centre.

Livestock remains must be disposed of in accordance with provincial regulations.

Fines for illegal dumping can be levied under Lethbridge County’s Bylaw #1453 – Highway Protection.

Complaints can be submitted to Lethbridge County’s Community Peace Officer at 403-915-6212.