PHOTOS: A look at some animals that were rescued in Mississauga in 2020

 

It's no secret that 2020 was a terrible year (and so far, 2021 hasn't been much better), but if pictures of adorable animals getting a second chance don't make you happy, we're not sure what else could possibly brighten your mood. 

Mississauga Animal Services, the city-run organization that responds to animal-related calls, complaints and concerns in Mississauga, says it responded to more than 4,000 emergencies and rescues in 2020. 

"Animals can play an important role in an urban city and in our lives. With wildlife, they are part of an ecosystem that can help control other nuisance wildlife populations," Mississauga Animal Services said in a news release. 

"While domestic animals or pets can provide companionship in our homes. In return, there are unfortunate moments when these animals may require some kind of help or care from people." 

The city says that Animal Services, which is available 24/7, responds to emergency calls for animals that are injured or in distress almost every day. 

Last year, the organization attended to 4,459 calls for animal emergencies (including injury or distress calls) and 172 calls for animal welfare.

The city says some of these animal rescues included lost or injured pets running loose; ducklings trapped in a storm sewer; a coyote caught in a wired fence; an opossum that fell into a swimming pool; a squirrel that fell into freshly poured cement and a Canada goose that was shot with seven pellets. Mississauga Animal Services says it also guided a snapping turtle to its annual nesting site and helped orphaned wildlife. 

According to the city, Animal Services also provided shelter and care for 906 pets that were lost, surrendered or abandoned. 

"This led to staff placing 97 per cent of these pets through adoption, reuniting with owners and networking with other rescue organizations," the organization said. 

Residents can report lost pets and animals that are injured or in distress by calling Mississauga Animal Services 24/7 at 3-1-1.

All photos courtesy of The City of Mississauga