By The Canadian Press

EDMONTON VETS

Edmonton veterinarians launch petition for specialized unit to look into animal cruelty

Oct 8, 2019 | 5:21 PM

A group of veterinarians has launched a petition calling on Edmonton’s police chief to create a specialized unit to investigate animal cruelty.

The Edmonton Association of Small Animal Veterinarians says the unit is needed after the Edmonton Humane Society stopped enforcing the Animal Protection Act in January.

The petition says there are only four dedicated city bylaw officers who enforce the Animal Protection Act in Edmonton and investigations into animal cruelty have many legal challenges because the victims can’t speak for themselves.

Police chief Dale McFee says the force is currently looking at data to determine if a special unit is needed.