133 animals rescued from abandoned pet store
Last Updated: Friday, August 18, 2006 | 3:48 PM ET
CBC News
An investigation is underway following the rescue of 133 dehydrated and hungry animals abandoned at a pet store in the city's west end.
'The smell apparently was horrific, feces everywhere, flies buzzing everywhere'-Lynda Elmy, Toronto Humane Society
On Wednesday, police and the Toronto Humane Society went to the Everything Under the Sun shop at Bloor and Dufferin St. after receiving a call from a concerned citizen.
The store appeared closed and unattended for at least three days, according to investigators.
The animals from the pet store are now in the hands of the Toronto Humane Society. (CBC)
Inside, they said they discovered abandoned animals that were filthy, hungry, dehydrated and sitting in mounds of feces.
"The smell apparently was horrific, feces everywhere, flies buzzing everywhere," said Lynda Elmy, a spokesperson for the humane society. "It was determined that the animals were not being cared for in the proper sense and so we determined that we would seize them."
Investigators seized 58 small domestic animals including rabbits, hamsters and rats as well as 32 birds, 34 reptiles, two dogs and seven kittens — 133 in total. The animals are now in the care of the humane society.
Elmy says looking after these animals is difficult since the society is already crowded with 450 cats and almost 100 dogs.
"The society is bursting at the seams," said Elmy. "There aren't any more cages available for the lost or abandoned animals that arrive daily. The situation is critical."
Starting this Friday and continuing through the weekend, the society is holding an adopt-a-thon to try to find homes for its animals.
The rescued pet shop animals will not be available for adoption until an investigation into the incident is completed.
No charges have been laid in the case.
