An animal rights group is calling on the Calgary Humane Society and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to launch investigations into a semi truck crash in Calgary on Tuesday that killed 17 cows.

Animal Justice sent a letter to both organizations urging action following a rollover in the area of ​​Stoney Trail SE and Macleod Trail SE on Tuesday night involving a truck carrying 95 cattle.

“We request that you investigate and file charges under the Health of Animals Act and the Animal Welfare Act, as appropriate,” the letter, signed by Animal Justice staff attorney Alexandra Pester, reads.

“Consistent enforcement of these laws is necessary to protect animals during transport – a process in which they are exposed to significant risk of physical and psychological harm.”

Police believe the truck driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control on the eastbound Stoney Trail exit ramp heading south onto Macleod Trail.

In an emailed statement, the Calgary Humane Society said this incident appears to be more of a Highway Safety Act issue of speeding or reckless driving, noting that the Calgary Police Service (CPS) is investigating .

“If there are concerns of animal cruelty, CPS can apply those sections of the Criminal Code in addition to the relevant provincial acts,” said Brad Nichols, the humane society’s director of enforcement and deputy executive director, in an emailed statement. mail.

“There is no doubt that this was a tragic event and we are saddened by the loss of animal life.”

The Calgary Humane Society said it would not comment further while other agencies investigate.

CTV News has reached out to the CFIA for comment on the letter.

A video posted on Reddit showed the semi truck driving down the exit ramp, flipping onto its side and sliding off the road.

Police said they are investigating the truck’s speed as a possible cause of the crash. The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage related to this crash is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.