The fur continued to fly Friday, Nov. 27 at the Toronto Humane Society (THS) as investigators from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) discovered a mummified cat in the ceiling of the River Street headquarters.
The deceased feline, which was reportedly located inside a live trap, was found just minutes before members of the media were to tour the facility.
This disturbing discovery comes less than a day after the OSPCA with the help of Toronto police raided the facility and one private residence arresting and charging five senior staffers with animal cruelty among other things.
All five were released on bail later that night.
The Society’s board of directors is also facing five counts of animal cruelty, an offence under the Ontario SPCA Act, 2009.
Four animals – a puppy, two cats and a raccoon – had to be euthanized overnight after the OSPCA further assessed the conditions at the east end facility.
Dozens more animals were found to be in rough shape and are currently receiving treatment.
Ian McConachie, a THS spokesperson, was also briefly detained Friday morning after going over to the River Street facility and attempting to retrieve some papers. McConachie, who has since been released without being charged, was reportedly on a “do-not-let-in” list.
Earlier this year, the OSPCA with the assistance of private investigators from the Investigators Group began probing the THS following allegations of animal cruelty.
A registered charity whose work includes animal cruelty investigation, care, sheltering, fostering, and wildlife programs for abused or injured animals, the OSPCA is responsible for enforcing animal cruelty laws in Ontario.
The organization also handles the supervision of animal welfare shelters like humane societies.
The OSPCA has now closed the THS to the public and is taking care of the 1,100 or so animals there this weekend. It is expected to reopen Tuesday. Dec. 1.
Anyone with concerns about ill or hurt animals should call Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-PAWS (7297).
Those charged include:
-Tim Trow, Toronto Humane Society’s president, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, two counts of cruelty to animals, and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer;
-Dr. Steve Sheridan, THS Head Veterinarian, one count each of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and cruelty to animals;
-Gary McCracken, THS General Manager, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, one count of cruelty to animals, and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer;
-Andy Bechtel, a senior staff member, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, one count of cruelty to animals, and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer;
-Romeo Bernadino, senior staffer, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, one count of cruelty to animals, and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer.