In mid-November, Parks Canada received reports of a husky abandoned and on the loose on Woodland Trail. The dog was captured by Team Chelsea on Dec. 21 near the Markham Green Golf Club/Team Chelsea

Rouge National Urban Park is urging the public to surrender unwanted pets through humane channels and not release them into the park or natural areas.

On Nov. 10, the remains of a small-medium sized domestic dog and its personal effects (including a mat and food) were discovered near Lower Reesor Pond in the Toronto-area park. The dog is believed to have been abandoned there and died after starving and being exposed to freezing temperatures.

In mid-November, Parks Canada also received reports of a husky abandoned and on the loose on Woodland Trail. It stayed in the area for about one month before traveling north-west and outside of park boundaries. The dog was finally captured by Team Chelsea — a volunteer lost pet search group — on Dec. 21 near the Markham Green Golf Club. Team Chelsea couldn’t find a report of a missing husky, indicating that it was likely an intentional release.

“The release of pets and exotic animals into park lands is not a new trend in Rouge National Urban Park, but there has been an increase in recent years,” Parks Canada said in a written statement. “In addition to domestic dogs, park staff are seeing cats, rabbits, reptiles and other exotic wildlife released within park boundaries both on land and in waterways. Despite what the movies might convey, this seldom has a happy ending — not only does the animal suffer, but its release also poses real risks and consequences for the ecological integrity of the park.”

Pets and domestic animals that previously relied on owners to care for them and provide food and shelter aren't equipped to survive in the wild, Parks Canada says. These animals can also carry and pass diseases, parasites and viruses to native species, including species at risk. Their presence disrupts natural ecosystems as they compete with — or prey upon — native species for food sources and habitat.

Parks Canada can’t accept wildlife or domestic animals. Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, it's illegal to transport a trapped wild animal more than one kilometre (half a mile) from the site of capture. Once an animal is outside its home range it is at increased risk, having no familiar place to hibernate during the winter months. It will also run into the established territory of other animals of the same species and be forced to compete for food sources.

"If you can no longer care for a pet, please surrender the animal to a local shelter or wildlife sanctuary where it can receive the care it needs and a better chance of finding a forever home," Parks Canada says.

Rouge visitors should report domestic animal sightings by calling 416-264-2020.