More animals being abandoned on P.E.I.

Officials with the P.E.I.Humane Society are noticing a growing number of animal abandonment cases this spring.

In one case a dog was tied to a barbecue with a baggie of food.

The Humane Society has launched a new campaign called Poco's Pledgeto promote responsible pet ownership and to help with the cost of caring for some of these abandoned animals.

It's named after a tiny Chihuahua discovered in downtown Charlottetown.The dog was brought into the Humane Society and eventually adopted.

"We don't know what the background is of why the animals are being abandoned," said Kelly Mullaly, executive director of the P.E.I. Humane Society.

"What we do know is that we are getting calls from good Samaritans that are finding animals at the side of the road, or left on their property and no ID, no microchips, no story at all ... We had three incidents almost back to back to back within three weeks this past spring which for us is quite high as far as animal abandonment is concerned."

Mullaly said animal abandonment is considered a form of animal cruelty under the law and ifan investigation reveals the owner, charges will be laid.

Mullalysaid Islanders are being asked to visit the humane society web site and to sign Poco's Responsible Ownership Pledge.

People are also being asked to consider a donation to go directly to helping abandoned animals when they come into the society's care.