Conditions were so horrific at the scene of the Halton Hills home where 100 plus cats were found that a full investigation is underway. Charges are being prepared for the person or people under the OSPCA Act.
The cats are continuing to be removed from the scene. Because of the condition of the house and the frightened nature of some of the cats, humane traps have been placed in the home and are monitored throughout the day. A humane trap is a metal cage where food is placed. When the cat enters to eat, the door to the trap closes softly behind them making it easy and less stressful for the cat to be transported back to the shelter for care. An additional trailer was rented to provide adequate shelter at the Oakville Milton Humane Society located on Cornwall.
To prepare healthy kitten for adoption at the OMHS, the cost ranges between $200 to $300. This cost is due in part to the commitment made in January 2012 to reduce the pet over populations by expanding their Spay/Neuter protocol to include all kittens, puppies, ferrets, and rabbits before the they are put up for adoption. In the past, adopters were provided with a spay/neuter rebate for puppies and kittens, which they could redeem upon proof of surgery. Prior to adoption all kittens have a health check, been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and come with 6 weeks of free pet insurance, and a small bag of Hills Science Diet cat food.
“The verified count of cats removed to date is 106 live cats with one cat transferred to the shelter today. There were an additional 10 deceased cats in the house, which were discovered on the first day of the removal” said Brenda Dushko, spokesperson for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.
In the removal in Halton Hills OHMS staff found very few kittens. Predominantly adult and senior cats were found and they will take much more than $250 - $300 to get ready for adoption. They have been badly neglected with health challenges that need to be addressed before they are ready for adoption.
Whenever a large number of animals are taken in at one time, it stretches all of OMHS's resources to the max. There is an "immediate needs" wish list posted on the website. However due to the excellent relationships the OMHS has with their suppliers and the compassionate generosity of local businesses, the Oakville Milton Humane Society can often purchase more with a financial donation than people can if they are buying items from OMHS's wish list at retail prices and donating them.
Donations to help the rescued cats can be made online at omhs.ca by clicking on the donate now button and adding "cat rescue" in the notes section of the donation form. Donations may also be mailed, again indicating that the donation goes to helping the rescued cats. Tax receipts for charitable donations of $20 or more will be issued. 100% of the donation will be used to help the cats.
A Committee of Concerned Animal Lovers are going to be hosting a special fundraising evening to aid the 100+ cats we removed from the home in Halton Hills. Beverly Rockliffe has generously agreed to open up her property on Thursday September 19, located at 235 Front Street in Olde Oakville from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased at the door. It will be an eveing on the lawn and verandah with beer, wine, and small bites with all proceeds going to the "Cat Rescue" by the Oakville Milton Humane Society. Addition donations of $20.00 or more will receive a tax receipt.