21 cats abandoned in plastic bins at Alberta animal shelter
An animal shelter is taking to social media after 21 cats were abandoned in Rubbermaid totes outside its facility in Lloydminster.
The Lloydminster and District SPCA took to Facebook on Wednesday, June 17, to share that the animals had been left at the doors of the Border Paws Animal Shelter in Lloydminster, Alta.
“Today, 21 cats were abandoned at the doors of Border Paws Animal Shelter in Rubbermaid totes. Let that sink in. Twenty-one cats,” the organization wrote.
The shelter says it’s already operating beyond capacity and now has to find space, supplies, veterinary care, and foster placements for the animals.
Lloydminster & District SPCA/Facebook
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“Please understand: shelters are not endless resources. Every animal that comes through our doors requires food, litter, medical care, cleaning, enrichment, and time. Most importantly, they need space — a resource we simply don’t have,” the organization continued.
They said the sudden intake has placed additional strain on staff, volunteers, and the animals already in their care.
“Dropping animals off and driving away doesn’t make the problem disappear. It simply transfers the burden to an already overwhelmed shelter system,” the post said.
The shelter is now asking the public for support, including fostering placements, donations, and volunteers.
“We are exhausted. We are over capacity. But we will continue fighting for these animals and giving them the care they deserve.”
Other Alberta shelters have reported abandonment cases in recent years, like in 2025, when a dog named Raiya was abandoned at an Okotoks dog park with a note from its owner.