Newmarket OSPCA to euthanize hundreds of animals Update #23 - temporary layoffs

[Catty1]

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.

[Karen]

I am glad they are trying hard to contain the outbreak and hopefully not as many will need to be euthanized!

[Catty1]

The implication in the article, Karen, is that they have been trying for weeks and have just given up!

There are some comments posted below the article - some offering to foster, etc. I hope some other pet people and shelters in the area can pitch in and save these cats!

[Catty1]

It's already started.

http://www.680news.com/news/local/ar...eds-of-animals

I hope they pass peacefully...I am sure this is beyond heartbreaking to some if not all the staff.

[Freedom]

Oh how sad! I am sure the staff are finding this overwhelming to cope with.

Ringworm can be treated and as the 2d article says, it takes time. Wish they had more foster homes as that would be the way to deal with this.

Prayers for all those animals.

[Catty1]

It includes dogs, cats....only two turtles will be left.

One man rushed to the place when he saw his cat on the front page of the paper. His daughter had developed allergies...if hit cat is still alive, he will give it to his mother.

6 staff have ringworm too.

One staffer was fired (if you read the article) a week ago, as due protocols were not followed, apparently.

What a sick, sad, infuriating mess.