Newmarket, ON (Wednesday, June 03, 2009) - The Ontario SPCA conducted an inspection at the Toronto Humane Society yesterday in response to numerous complaints regarding allegations of the unnecessary suffering of animals in care at the Toronto Humane Society. Ontario SPCA Orders regarding the Standards of Care for four animals were issued.

The Ontario SPCA is required to respond by legislation to any credible allegation of neglect, abuse or cruelty as mandated by the Ontario SPCA Act.

"The investigation is ongoing and we are limited as to the information we can provide at this time. We can disclose that we found animals in distress requiring immediate intervention and as a result, Orders have been issued," says Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector Mindy Hall who is the lead investigator on the case.

Since the Globe articles were released, the Ontario SPCA has received dozens of additional, credible complaints outlining serious concerns that point to a pattern of poor care over the course of many years.

The Toronto Humane Society is currently suspended as an Affiliate member of the Ontario SPCA. The suspension means that Toronto Humane Society will not be able to conduct cruelty investigations and will not have authority or protection under the Ontario SPCA Act. Cruelty complaints can be directed to the Ontario SPCA in the interim.

The investigation may take several weeks.

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Allegations:
The allegations in the Globe and Mail articles suggest that Toronto Humane Society is permitting the unnecessary suffering of animals with a restrictive euthanasia policy and permitting animals to be in distress. Additional allegations include improper management of staff, volunteers, resources and finances.

Background:
The Toronto Humane Society is one of nearly 50 community SPCA and Humane Societies in the province of Ontario. Though independently operated, the Toronto Humane Society is accountable to the Ontario SPCA through the Ontario SPCA Act. The Ontario SPCA is the province's leading animal welfare organization. Representing its Branches and Affiliated Societies, the Ontario SPCA is accountable to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Ontario SPCA Euthanasia Policy:
The Ontario SPCA takes the issue of euthanasia very seriously. It is only done when there is no other humane option available. Reasons the Ontario SPCA euthanizes include: terminal illness or injury where there is no possibility of recovery, behavioural problems that pose a threat to other animals or humans, stray or feral overpopulation, disease transmission, and old age where the quality of life is impaired by major loss of functions. Sadly, in some cases animals may be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding. Overcrowding threatens the lives of all the animals in our care due to stress, weakened immune systems and increased risk of disease transmission. This requires the Society to make difficult decisions about euthanasia based on health, physical, emotional and psychological suffering, and the best interests of the hundreds of animals receiving lifesaving care in a single facility.

Globe and Mail Articles:

www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/

Ontario SPCA Press Releases:

www.ontariospca.ca

Ontario SPCA Provincial Media Contact:

Kristin Williams
Public Relations Manager
1-888-668-7722 extension 305
kwilliams@ospca.on.ca

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.

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