Police seize numerous dogs and cats in three animal cruelty investigations

Lethbridge Police have seized a total of 20 animals in distress over the past week, as part of three separate, unrelated cruelty investigations.

In all cases the animals were seized under the Alberta Animal Protection Act and are currently in the care of Community Animal Services.

On September 2, Community Animal Services requested police assistance in relation to a report of a dog observed in distress at home along the 500 block of 18 Street South. The dog, which was found to be extremely emaciated, did not have access to food or water and had sores and an open wound on its body, was subsequently seized and transported to a local veterinarian for treatment. Following further investigation, the owners of the dog were criminally charged.

John Joseph Rosenberg, 39, and Atia Leslie Fleming, 45, of Lethbridge, are charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Both were released with conditions not to possess or care for any domestic animal and are scheduled to appear in court October 28. 

On September 4, Community Animal Services requested police assistance after multiple animals were found in distress during a property inspection along the 600 block of 9 Street South. In total, police seized four puppies, three adult dogs and four cats, along with a lizard, mouse and fish. The animals were not being properly cared for and conditions inside the residence made it unfit for habitation, resulting in a closure order that required two tenants – a 23-year-old female and 22-year-old male – to vacate the property. The investigation is ongoing.

On September 8, police responded to a report of an unattended vehicle in the alley along Leaside Avenue with numerous cats inside. Additional cats were also observed around the property. Five cats were seized from the vehicle. 

The 55-year-old owner of the vehicle was identified and issued five bylaw tickets for failing to provide basic animal care. The bylaw violations carry a specified penalty of $300 per ticket. The identity of the male is not a matter of public record and cannot be released.

No further details or information will be released at this time.