The extensive veterinary treatment recently required to save a severely injured puppy has highlighted how much the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is struggling to meet demand during the ongoing economic downturn.
Late last month, AARCS members were called to a rural area near Rocky Mountain House, where they found a four-month-old mixed-breed puppy lying in a ditch with two broken front legs.
“We located the family, but sadly, they couldn’t afford the medical bills. They surrendered him to us, and we rushed him to Calgary for emergency care,” said Deanna Thompson, AARCS’s executive director.
Veterinarians believe the puppy — named Panzer — was attacked by a wild animal. His right elbow was fractured, his left ulna shattered, and he was suffering from sepsis and severe anemia. After surgery, Panzer is now recovering in a foster home — one of more than 500 animals AARCS is currently caring for.
“He’s running around with the cats and dogs, and we’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in the coming months,” said Ariana Lenz, AARCS’s medical manager.
“The calls never seem to stop,” Thompson added. “We currently have 144 animals needing medical treatment, beyond basic vaccinations and sterilizations. Unless we raise more funds, we may soon have to turn some away.”
AARCS spent $785,000 on veterinary bills in 2016 and expects the total to reach $1 million by year’s end. While adoption fees cover routine procedures, the flood of serious medical cases has placed the organization under severe financial strain.
As donations decline due to the recession, AARCS warns that the situation will worsen as winter approaches and more animals are abandoned or injured.
Panzer continues to heal and will be available for adoption once fully recovered. “He may need another surgery, but he’s playful and strong. We’re optimistic he’ll recover completely,” said Lenz.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Humane Society reports that cases of animal neglect have been rising — a problem worsened by the province’s economic challenges.