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Animal cruelty: Humane Society officials and president arrested

by Jessica Tucker | November 26, 2009 at 06:52 pm

406 views | 30 Recommendations | 6 comments

Another sad story hits the headlines in Canadian news today. Unfortunately, this story revolves around the abuse and mistreatment of animals supposedly cared for by the Humane Society of Toronto.

In a place thought of as a refuge for these animals, images depict cages in states of disgust, animals left to suffer in their own waste from life threatening diseases and injuries, along with several reports from previous staff confirming abuse towards the animals.

"Top officials at the Toronto Humane Society and its board of directors have been charged in an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty.

Source: globaltvbc.com

What is our world coming to?

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Jessica Tucker

at 08:12 on November 27th, 2009

As I looked around for media this morning, I came across a couple YouTube reels from past months of protests claiming this abuse towards the animals held at this facility has been ongoing.

I really dislike reporting on bad news stories, but in this case I feel our furry little friends deserve to be heard!

Amy Judd

at 08:52 on November 27th, 2009

This is so sad and disgusting, how can people do this?

Jessica Tucker

at 09:12 on November 27th, 2009

Especially considering these are registered vets being arrested, aren't they the ones supposed to be taking care of these animals? I just really hope that this doesn't turn into a case where we find out that other facilities are being operated in the same state of despair...

Unfortunately, animal cruelty and abuse cases are found too often. However, a Humane Society facility in Canada is the last place you would expect to see animals being mistreated and left for dead, as alleged in the Toronto case.

It is a sad world that we live in!

Blue Crush

at 09:45 on November 27th, 2009

Yes, this has been ongoing. I reported on it back in June, it seems they choose not to euthanize their sick animals unless they deem it's absolutely necessary, and many animals are suffering needlessly.

Their Communications Spokesman was briefly detained this morning. It's a shame about the management (staff not involved as far as I know), as this is their busiest time for donations, and it will negatively affect animals in need.

I hope the 1100 or so animals there are safe and being cared for, as it's closed until Tuesday.

Susan H (not verified)

at 18:42 on November 27th, 2009

What these people have done disgusts me beyond belief. Our laws and penalties have got to be revisited. A small fine and community service does not hack it. Automatic 15 years in jail and minimum $500,000 personal fine each. If we saw stiff penalties they might think twice before torturing animals.

Jessica Tucker

at 09:57 on December 1st, 2009

Story update:

The Toronto Sun released a story today entitled, Toronto Humane Society raccoon release investigated.

"...The Ministry of Natural Resources is investigating whether raccoons were improperly released before the Toronto Humane Society was raided.

In the wake of yet another search of the shelter, the Toronto Wildlife Centre announced this morning that eight wild animals have been pulled from the River St. shelter.

The centre admitted eight wild animals from the humane society yesterday including two red-tailed hawks, two painted turtles, a mallard, a mourning dove, a house sparrow and an eastern grey squirrel.

TWC officials said the Downsview Park centre is doing its best to care for the extra animals, as well as the 124 animals already in its care..."

Source: http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/12/01/11994271.html
All I can say, is that I wish I was closer and could really help with this situation.
Kudos to the Toronto Wildlife Centre for their assistance in their help with the displaced animals! Please visit their site at http://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/.