By The Canadian Press

Innisfail pet owner grieves after family cat euthanized by mistake

Jun 28, 2018 | 8:07 AM

INNISFAIL- A family in central Alberta is grieving after their pet cat Mikey was euthanized by mistake.

Mike Piesse says Mikey escaped from their home in Innisfail on June 8.

The unlicensed pet was captured, but the bylaw officer didn’t correctly follow the municipality’s bylaws, and Mikey was put down by a veterinarian.

The Town of Innisfail says it accepts responsibility for Mikey’s untimely death.

The report submitted by the bylaw officer said the cat was ill and did not have microchip identification, but the town says the report was inaccurate — Mikey was healthy and microchipped.

preparedness doesn't have to be stressful

Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 3-9

21h ago

rcmp investigating

Crews respond to fire at Amethyst House on Friday

May 01, 2026

Inclusivity and sportsmanship

Lindsay Thurber to host Unified Sports Jamboree on May 6

May 01, 2026

The bylaw officer, who has not been named, has since resigned.

“It isn’t our intent to see any cat euthanized or any animal euthanized,” said Michelle Honeyman, director of community service for the Town of Innisfail.

“As we review our bylaws and procedures, we want to ensure that euthanization is a last resort and not a first.”

Town officials say Mikey was the first cat to be euthanized in Innisfail.

The town normally post photos of seized or missing pets on its Facebook page in an attempt to reunite the animals with their owners.

(The Canadian Press – CTV Calgary)

by The Canadian Press

Innisfail pet owner grieves after family cat euthanized by mistake

What's Trending