SPCA says "No shelter for Elk on farms!"

We the undersigned feel that the conclusion of your officer regarding the farmed elk in Alberta needs to be reviewed.  The officer felt that farmed elk did not require the same necessities of life as other animals in human care.  He felt that because the animals were not distressed at the time of his visit that they didnt require shelter or bedding.  He feels that the Alberta Government should do scientific research to see what temperatures the animals can withstand.  The SPCA is to prevent cruelty not promote it.   All exsisting research  concludes - when an animal is freezing to death they become lethargic and confused.  We are concerned as to what signs the officer was looking for, as these symptoms would be very hard indicate.

The Animal Protection Act of Alberta clearly states that we have to provide shelter for animals, and protection from extreme heat and cold.  We ask that you, as the governing body in these issues, to enforce the law.   These animals need shelter from 80km an hour winds in 40 degrees below celcius weather.   This is northern Canada, the elements are harsh and these animals would not stand in the middle of a field in their natural environment.  They should not be forced to stand in the open in these brutal conditions.  These creatures have to lay on the frozen ground of feces and are never provided straw.  In the spring and fall they stand in mud, there is no grass.  If this was cattle something would be done.

The SPCA is to prevent cruelty to animals.  The SPCA has specific legislation to follow regarding the care of animals.  Please hear our voices when we ask the Alberta SPCA to follow the law and prevent cruelty to farm elk. 

We thank you for hearing our voice.  Please make conditions better for farmed elk, no animal deserves to live like this.