OSPCA euthanizes 350 pets: Newmarket

More than 350 animals will be euthanized at the Newmarket OSPCA because of a ringworm epidemic, angering animal advocates who argue the pets’ lives could be saved.

Officials with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said protocols broke down and led to the rapid spread of ringworm among the shelter’s animals; as a result, one staff member has reportedly been fired.

The shelter began putting the animals down on Tuesday as protesters gathered outside.

Ringworm is a highly contagious fugal infection and the infestation requires drastic action, according to Rosaline Ryan, a spokeswoman for the OSPCA.

“In this shelter, where animals live in close proximity, the extent to which it has reached the animal population and the aggressive strain of this particular ringworm has us looking at it as an epidemic,” Ms. Ryan said.

The infection has already spread to six staff members at the shelter so the decision to euthanize the animals has led to more general concerns. “It’s a public safety concern for us so we have shut down the shelter and the vets who make medical decisions have decided that euthanasia is the best approach,” she said.

Staff have unsuccessfully attempted to eliminate the infection, according to reports.  Dogs and cats will be the main victims but all other animals within the shelter — except turtles — are going to be put down. The Newmarket branch of the shelter will remain closed until further notice.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can also affect humans.Media reports say security guards have been posted at the site to prevent anyone from trying to rescue the animals. All adoption and foster services are unavailable until the premises have been thoroughly cleansed and sanitized of ringworm.

Bob Hambley, president of the beleaguered Toronto Humane Society, released a statement criticizing the shelter’s decision to put the animals down, arguing the epidemic is indeed treatable:

“This type of action to respond to a treatable condition such as ringworm is unprecedented. The OSPCA is taking the easy solution rather than working to save animals lives.

The OSPCA needs to reconsider this solution and consult with outside experts to look at treatment alternatives to save these animals lives.”