Three cats accidentally hanged

The Winnipeg Humane Society issued a warning to cat owners last week, after receiving reports of three felines hanging themselves when left alone outside on leashes.

The cats were all trying to climb over fences, but their leashes weren’t long enough for them to reach the ground on the other side.

WHS assistant executive director Bill McDonald said in a statement that these deaths are easily preventable by staying outside with the pets and by using breakaway collars.

The cat’s weight causes a breakaway collar to come apart if it becomes snagged.

The WHS is also urging pet owners to keep their animals inside during extreme heat waves. If pets are outside, they should have access to shade, food and water.