Newmarket OSPCA to euthanize hundreds of animals Update #23 - temporary layoffs
Oh NOOOO! :(:(:(
http://www.680news.com/news/local/ar...eds-of-animals
Newmarket OSPCA to euthanize hundreds of animals
Jaime Pulfer and 680News staff May 11, 2010 08:54:42 AM
TORONTO, Ont. - Hundreds of animals are being put down at an OSPCA shelter in Newmarket, Ont., because of a ringworm outbreak.
About 350 animals will be put down over the next few days.
The shelter has been trying to contain the outbreak for weeks.
OSPCA spokesperson Rosaline Ryan told 680News this is a particularly aggressive form of ringworm that has reached epidemic proportions.
"This is [a] completely heartbreaking situation [...] I know that people are upset, and I understand it, I'm upset too," Ryan said.
Ringworm is a contagious skin fungus that affects animals and humans.
Even so, Toronto Humane Society spokesperson Ian McConachie told 680News they've called on Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to launch an investigation into this unprecedented situation.
"We hope that something will come in and the animals will be saved. As I said, we've recommended they consult with experts, and I think a better solution can be found, rather than euthanizing all these animals," McConachie said.
But, the OPSCA said it has consulted experts.
680News has learned it could be a few weeks until the shelter is completely sterilized and reopened.
Human error led to mass euthanasia at Newmarket animal shelter: OSPCA
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1564978/
Human error led to mass euthanasia at Newmarket animal shelter: OSPCA
Protocols were not followed, spokeswoman says
Toronto — The Canadian Press Published on Tuesday, May. 11, 2010 1:23PM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, May. 11, 2010 1:30PM EDT
An Ontario animal shelter battling a ringworm infection began euthanizing some 350 dogs, cats and other animals Tuesday, with officials blaming human error for the outbreak.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it decided to kill the animals after an attempt to contain the infection – which had also spread to six workers at the Newmarket, Ont., shelter – failed.
“We have some standard protocols as would any shelter when there is an outbreak of this type,” said Kate MacDonald, the society's chief executive.
“Unfortunately, we have determined in this situation that due to human error, the protocols were not followed.”
While Ms. MacDonald would not say what protocols failed she added “we don't believe it was willful.”
The ringworm could have been introduced by any animal “that's come through the door,” said Tania Firmage, acting director of animal care for the OSPCA.
Screening animals for ringworm is “part of the protocol” and tests show all of the rooms at the shelter have been infected, she added.
MacDonald said the illness had been festering for weeks and all adoption activity at the shelter has been suspended.
The branch will undergo a thorough cleansing and an inspection to ensure the ringworm is eradicated before it reopens for adoptions.
A handful of high school students were protesting outside the shelter Tuesday, and security guards were stationed outside the building.
Frank Klees, the Conservative member of provincial parliament for the riding, called on the province to step in and stay the euthanasia, but the Liberal government said it stood by the OSPCA's decision.
Ms. MacDonald said the OSPCA does “not take euthanasia lightly” and is “extremely saddened by the situation.”
Meanwhile, the embattled Toronto Humane Society weighed in on the OSPCA’s decision, calling it the “easy way out.”
President Bob Hambley called the action “unprecedented,” considering that ringworm is treatable.
A spokesman for the Toronto society echoed the sentiment.
“Ringworm is a fungal infection. It infects the skin and the hair of the animals,” said Ian McConachie.
“The treatment is three antibiotics and twice weekly shampoo using a special shampoo for the animals.”
While Mr. McConachie acknowledged isolating and treating more than 300 animals would be a time consuming, difficult process, he said killing the animals isn't the solution.
Both Mr. McConachie and Mr. Hambley's words follow an OSPCA raid on the Toronto shelter last November in which five senior managers were charged with animal cruelty.
The Toronto shelter is due to reopen on June 1 with a new slate of directors.
