Background Information:

• Though the Toronto Humane Society (THS) is largely independent, the society is accountable to the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) under the Ontario SPCA Act. Under this Act, the OSPCA is required to investigate credible allegations of animal cruelty.


• In early 2009, current and former employees and volunteers brought forward allegations against the Toronto Humane Society involving animal cruelty, and based on its obligations under the Act, the OSPCA launched an investigation of the THS.


• Based on the findings of its investigation, the OSPCA made the necessary decision to suspend the THS's affiliate status, effectively revoking their authority to conduct animal cruelty investigations.


• This suspension, however, did not result in the necessary action to address many of the concerns raised by employees and volunteers, and the shelter's operations remained unchanged.

Why did the Ontario SPCA raid the Toronto Humane Society?

• Among the most pressing concerns is evidence that the basic needs of animals were not being met. Other evidence points to a lack of disease and pathogen control and THS management's decision to chronically under-staff the facility, as well as staff it with untrained employees.


• OSPCA inspectors (who are licensed peace officers) were obstructed in doing their job by THS staff during an inspection on June 2, 2009 of the Toronto Humane Society. It was believed that animals continued to suffer in the facilities.


• Internal records show that many animals admitted to the Toronto Humane Society die slow, painful deaths rather than being humanely euthanized according to the accepted standards of veterinary medicine — and against the orders of the veterinarian on duty.


• Veterinarians' medical opinions were being disregarded. By going against the course of treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, THS staff are in direct violation of the professional standards outlined by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.

Does the Ontario SPCA want to take over the Toronto Humane Society?

• The Ontario SPCA does not want to be the governing body that operates the Toronto Humane Society.


• We are hoping the province's Public Guardian and Trustee will step in to appoint a supervisor that can assure the public the THS is being run responsibly.


• The Ontario SPCA would like to see a healthy relationship with an Affiliated Society in the Toronto Region.


• The Ontario SPCA's main concern is the welfare of the animals.


• The Ontario SPCA's first priority is to make sure that the animals are healthy and safe and get the care they deserve. Veterinarians have been doing a thorough examination on every animal, and are making the appropriate follow-up treatment.


• The Toronto Humane Society staff and volunteers have been amazing at working together to help these animals. Toronto Animal Services has also been onsite to assist in caring for the animals.

How you can help:

Donate:

• The OSPCA urges continued support of the animals in care at the THS in order to support animals' medical and basics needs
• Items to help with the care of the animals can be dropped off at the Toronto Humane Society at 11 River Street.
• Donations can be made over the phone, by calling the Ontario SPCA and requesting the donation go towards the Animal Care for the Toronto Humane Society.
• Ontario SPCA Donation hotline 1-888-668-7722 ext.322

I want to cancel my support for the Toronto Humane Society!

• The OSPCA urges continued support of the animals in care at the THS in order to support animals' medical and basics needs

Where can I surrender an animal?

• Toronto Animal Services has offered their assistance in handling surrenders while the THS is closed to the public. Some of their staff will be on-site helping with the animal examinations.
• The Ontario SPCA and Toronto Animal Services have a great relationship and we appreciate their help at this time.
• They can be reached at 416-338-7297.

These are the locations:

"Bandit" - A Pit Bull owned by Tim Trow

• Bandit is in good health. A vet has examined him.
• Toronto Animal Services has designated this dog as aggressive and has attacked people and other animals in the past.
• He currently remains at the Toronto Humane Society.

Euthanasia

• The decision to euthanize any animal is made on a case-by-case basis based on the medical expertise of a team of veterinarians.
• It's a difficult decision to make, and nobody likes to make it. But to do nothing - to allow animals to suffer - is worse and constitutes cruelty.
• To let a dying or terminally ill animal suffer in pain is widely recognized as cruelty.
• Again, this is a decision that is made by a licensed veterinarian.

About the Ontario SPCA

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so - making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Adopt - Volunteer - Donate! Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002