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rfmcdonaldThe fact that it's starting to be kitten season, at least throughout Canada, reminds me of the fact that I adopted Shakespeare from the Toronto Humane Society in late September when he was probably ten weeks old and that he was probably conceived at the beginning of this season. When I adopted Shakespeare, I appreciated the fact that he was living in what looked to be a very comfortable and well-maintained cage, and that the other cats and animals that I saw also seemed to be comfortable, even the ones infected with FIV. I'd nothing bad to say about the THS.
Now, however, the Globe and Mail has a very unsettling and disturbing series (1, 2, 3) suggesting that the Toronto Humane Society is mistreating animals, achieving a well-advertised low kill rate at the expense of allowing animals which are clearly suffering to endure days or weeks or even months of unnecessary pain. This very upsetting series of photos shows neglected animals, both those suffering from incurable and painful conditions and those living in horrible conditions. The Society's president, Tim Trow, is assigned responsibility for this, with he and his supporters on the board systematically winnowing out volunteers and employees who object to the conditions within the Humane Society's facilities.
The outrage and shock prompted by this series has prompted the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals has launched an investigation of the THS.
All this news makes be sad and angry, but I'm just thankful that, at eleven months of age, glossy-coated Shakespeare is just as veterinarian-confirmed healthy as I'd want.
Now, however, the Globe and Mail has a very unsettling and disturbing series (1, 2, 3) suggesting that the Toronto Humane Society is mistreating animals, achieving a well-advertised low kill rate at the expense of allowing animals which are clearly suffering to endure days or weeks or even months of unnecessary pain. This very upsetting series of photos shows neglected animals, both those suffering from incurable and painful conditions and those living in horrible conditions. The Society's president, Tim Trow, is assigned responsibility for this, with he and his supporters on the board systematically winnowing out volunteers and employees who object to the conditions within the Humane Society's facilities.
The outrage and shock prompted by this series has prompted the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals has launched an investigation of the THS.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it will launch an investigation into the Toronto Humane Society.
The humane society is being accused of allowing the unnecessary suffering of animals through its euthanasia policy.
Kristen Williams, spokeswoman for the SPCA, said Monday the allegations include animals being left in distress.
"The Ontario SPCA takes euthanasia very seriously. It's only done when there is no other humane option available. Some of the reasons would include terminal illness, or injury where there's no possibility of recovery, behavioural problems that pose a threat to other animals or humans, stray or feral overpopulation, or disease transmission," said Williams.
The SPCA probe comes as a result of an investigative series by the Globe and Mail.
Williams said there are also allegations concerning governance at the Toronto Humane Society, which operates independently but is accountable to the SPCA.
All this news makes be sad and angry, but I'm just thankful that, at eleven months of age, glossy-coated Shakespeare is just as veterinarian-confirmed healthy as I'd want.
