Timmins animal shelter dealing with 'extremely high' number of surrendered pets
The Timmins and District Humane Society is finding itself at full capacity and low on resources, after a shocking surge in animal surrenders this past week.
Executive director Lynn Michaud said while the summer is typically a busy season, seeing more than 50 pet surrenders in just one week is far from normal.
"We've had like 11 puppies come in, we had four dogs come on at one point. In two days, we had 31 cats come in, requiring our care," said Michaud, a past director of the shelter who returned to the role this year.
"The numbers, typically where it's one to two per person, have actually been a larger number from singular families."
People have also surrendered bunnies and other small animals, Michaud said, with reasons for the surrenders varying from financial trouble to domestic disputes.
Michaud said the shelter is now at full capacity, not including spaces it needs to keep open for animal control, and has been forced to triage its intake.
"For example, someone has a child that's all of a sudden really, dangerously allergic to their pet ... or they have an animal that's extremely ill. Those are priority cases, versus someone who maybe isn't able to provide care for their animal, but they can hold onto them for a few weeks, while we sort out the pressure points," she said.
The humane society is appealing to the community for food, supplies and cash donations to help care for all of these new animals.
Michaud said if the situation worsens, she'll have to seek help from other area shelters, but added many also reporting limited space.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.