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

[caseysmom]

Is it really that big of a deal for humans? Don't you just put some cream on and it kills the fungus?

[king2005]

Is it really that big of a deal for humans? Don't you just put some cream on and it kills the fungus?

Its suppose to be worse strain, so I doubt its going to be as simple as that... Even if it is, many people cannot afford to buy medications anyways... ESP in my area... so I really hope it doesn't spread to here.

[caseysmom]

When bubba had it I contained it and none of the other pets or myself got it. His medicine was quite expensive. I do believe humans can get the otc version that is not so much though. whenever I took bubba in for a checkup the vet looked at my arms to make sure I didn't have any sign of it.

I was a mad woman about vacuuming and even bathed casey with the special shampoo to prevent her from getting it.

[Catty1]

http://www.torontosun.com/news/toron.../13982951.html

Animal care attendants at the OSPCA’s notorious Newmarket shelter got their walking papers Monday.

Officials with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said 26 attendents were the targets of “temporary layoffs” because all the animals were moved out of the ringworm-infested shelter.

OSPCA spokesman Alison Cross stressed the layoffs were “definitely temporary” and the workers would be brought back when the ringworm is gone and the agency resumes regular operations.

After 102 animals were euthanized last week, the shelter was emptied of the last remaining animals Friday, forcing the charity to layoff staff Monday, Cross said.

“That’s because we have no animals for them to care for,” she said.

Around 15 animals are still on the property in temporary shelters outside the main building. Those pets arrived at the shelter after the ringworm outbreak.

Cross said rumours on social networking websites that the layoffs occurred so three dogs could be euthanized were false.

“We’re not planning on euthanizing any dogs,” she said.

While the Newmarket shelter was empty, the staff at the Abbotsford Animal Hospital was busy looking after 31 pets from the OSPCA.

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Cole receieved 25 cats and six dogs from the OSPCA late Friday after his clinic was offered as one of many foster homes for animals in the Newmarket shelter.

The Aurora vet is now scrambling to find towels and kitty litter to care for the animals while still waiting for word from the OSPCA on whose responsible for what in the foster relationship.

“Thirty-one (animals) are safe and sound here,” Cole told the Sun Monday from his Yonge St. animal hospital. “We’re just happy to know they are out of there.”

All the animals are undergoing physicals but cursory exams done over the weekend found no obvious signs of ringworm or any other conditions, he said.

“All are in good shape,” Cole said, adding it was a shame the OSPCA didn’t ask the community for help earlier.

“I think they underestimated the response from the community,” Cole said.

Ringworm has been spreading through the Newmarket shelter population since February, even spreading to staff and volunteers.

A week ago, the OSPCA told staff and volunteers that it would begin “depopulating” the pet population trapped in the building.

The OSPCA initially said 350 animals would be euthanized. After a howls of protest, OSPCA board chairman Rob Godfrey announced only around 100 animals would be put to death.

[phesina]

God bless Dr. Mark Cole and the staff at the Abbotsford Animal Hospital.

Are they (OSPCA) still going to euthanize some 100 animals?

[king2005]

God bless Dr. Mark Cole and the staff at the Abbotsford Animal Hospital.

Are they (OSPCA) still going to euthanize some 100 animals?

About 100 animals have been PTS already. To my understanding, they were the worst cases.

[Catty1]

From the article:

After 102 animals were euthanized last week, the shelter was emptied of the last remaining animals Friday, forcing the charity to layoff staff Monday, Cross said.

It ends there. The rest are fostered in clinics, homes, and temporary shelter outside the building in Newmarket.