Ontario SPCA removes 18 animals, including a lion, from property west of London
Ontario SPCA
Friday, November 24, 2006
NEWMARKET, ON, (November 24, 2006) – An investigation is ongoing following the removal of 18 animals – including one lion, eight dogs, six cats, two cockatoos and one turtle from a property in the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe, west of London.In response to a call from Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario SPCA and London Humane Society investigators, in coordination with the Ontario Provincial Police, executed a search warrant at the property on November 22, 2006.
Ontario SPCA and London Humane Society investigators discovered the animals in unsanitary living conditions, which included excessive amounts of fecal matter and poor ventilation, and with inadequate food and water, and in some cases no food and water. Many of the animals had a thin body condition, including the lion, the dogs and a number of cats. The lion was confined in a very restrictive pen within the house.
On the written recommendation of the attending veterinarian the lion, eight dogs, six cats, two cockatoos and one turtle were removed immediately for further veterinary examination and to receive necessary treatment. The lion is currently receiving care by a facility accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement and improvement of education conservation and science), and all other animals removed are being cared for by the London Humane Society.
The Ontario SPCA is in the process of issuing Orders to improve the living conditions of the remaining animals on the property, which include wolves, coyotes, wolf-dog hybrids, chickens, geese, ducks, a horse, a raccoon and a donkey.
Two of the cats that were removed were euthanized on the recommendation of a veterinarian to relieve their pain and suffering due to their deteriorated health.
Subject to the results of the investigation charges may be laid at a later date.
“This is just one more example of why the province needs to have better animal welfare legislation,” says Darren Grandel, Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector, Western Region. In October Liberal MPP David Zimmer introduced a Private Members Bill in the Ontario Legislature, Bill 154, ‘The Regulation of Zoos Act’, to address the deplorable conditions animals are kept in at Ontario’s roadside zoos, and to establish standards of care for non-native animals, such as lions. “We encourage all people in Ontario to contact their MPP and voice their support for zoo specific legislation,” says Grandel.
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA branch, affiliated humane society or police.
Media Contact:
Darren Grandel
Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector, Western Region
1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 315
or dgrandel@ospca.on.ca
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 branches and affiliated humane societies relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy, and public 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.
Ontario SPCA Provincial Office, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR3 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1 • 1 888 ONT-SPCA (688-7722) • www.ontariospca.ca • info@ospca.on.ca
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
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