RUNNING WILD
The high school football season kicks off with a local match-up featuring two of B.C.’s top running backs A18
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
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Rescued rats Domestic pets dumped into a ravine
Kevin MILLS Abbotsford News
KEVIN MILLS Abbotsford News
The SPCA’s Jodi Dunlop holds some of the recovered rats.
Three glass, aquarium-style containers filled with domesticated rats were dumped into a ravine by Old Yale Road in Abbotsford last week. While authorities are unclear how many rats were abandoned, the estimate is anywhere between 25 and 50. “We have no idea how many there are but they are all domestic, friendly rats,” said Jodi Dunlop, shelter manager for the Abbotsford SPCA. Dunlop said the local SPCA became involved after receiving a
call from the Small Animal Rescue Society (SARS) of B.C., located in Burnaby, which had received a tip and came to Abbotsford in an attempt to recover the creatures. So far, 16 have been rounded up. Eight are being kept at the local SPCA while SARS has the others. Efforts will continue to locate the remaining animals, which Dunlop says will not survive in the wild. She added that the rats pose no harm to the public. “The only harm being done is to the rats because, unfortunately, if they are not all caught they will not survive and it will not be a good demise for them.” The act of dumping creatures to
fend for themselves is not uncommon. Dunlop said the SPCA currently has 28 domestic rats at the shelter. While she doesn’t know why the rats were dumped, Dunlop said it could be because someone bought two or three as pets and the situation got out of hand. “One female can have a dozen babies.” Rats also breed at a young age so the numbers can accumulate quickly. The SPCA is investigating the incident. If you have any information about the incident, call the SPCA at 604850-1584.
STABBING ARREST A4 Man staggers into hair salon for help after being stabbed in parking lot incident
AWASH IN STUDENTS
SIKH PARADE
A3 University of the Fraser Valley once again sees huge demand for courses
Sikhs from across the Lower Mainland joined in the celebrations of the Nagar Kirtan procession on Sunday in west Abbotsford. The annual parade brought thousands into the streets. The singing of traditional hymns and the viewing of the holy scriptures highlighted the event. The procession is organized by Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar, located on Blueridge Drive.
SKATEBOARDER FROM THE SKY A7 Stunt goes wrong as rider lands on woman’s car after launching from ramp
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