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Dave McInnes has had enough.

He is sick and tired of people abandoning animals on the side of the road. Earlier this week, Dave got a call from someone informing him that four young puppies were found on the side of the highway northeast of Winnipegosis.

The puppies are between eight and ten weeks old and full of ticks and worms. They would have died if they weren't found and hand-delivered to Dave and his incredible crew at Barkland in the Parkland Pet Resort.

Abandoned animals are something Dave and his crew have become used to. It's heartbreaking and not right.

"I was very upset. It's quite concerning when you have a province under a state of emergency and there are people up north that aren't evacuating because they can't take their animals with them," said McInnes. "Yet, in such a large part of the province, we have people who are dumping dogs and cats like they're used luggage."

If you have an animal and are having trouble taking care of it, Dave said there are options, including taking them to his establishment. Dumping them on the side of the road should never be an option. 

There are stiff penalties if you are caught dumping animals on the side of the road. However, they aren't easily enforced.

"Until we have people that are willing to come forward and say that's not right, you can't do that," continued McInnes. "People come forward for child abuse cases all the time. But when it comes to animals that would have died if they weren't found, people won't come forward for that. We need people to stand up and say Enough is enough."

Owning an animal can come with its challenges. From training to feeding and everything that comes with it, being a pet owner isn't for everyone. If you are interested in becoming a pet owner, McInnes recommends you take it slow.

And if you aren't up to it, that's okay.

"Ask for a trial period if you're looking at adopting a new family member," ended McInnes. "You need to see if they fit with your family. Raising a pet is not easy. But it is so exceptionally rewarding."

If you spot someone abandoning an animal on the side of the road, make sure to report it. Just like us, our furry friends deserve the best life possible.