Toronto Humane Society having adoption blitz

The Toronto Humane Society is launching an adoption blitz, in the hopes of finding homes for all animals in the shelter by Monday.

The move comes after last week’s court-approved agreement to shut the River Street facility for six weeks to retool, spurring persistent public speculation that the remaining animals – about 50 cats, eight rats and a dog, at last count – may be put down unless adopted.

THS officials maintain there are no plans for large-scale euthanasia, and “adoptable” animals that remain after the Monday deadline will be transferred to Victoria Park or other local shelters.

“I don’t believe any euthanasias are planned at this time, but that is a veterinary decision that will be made if they feel it is the right choice,” spokesman Ian McConachie said, noting he is “confident” many of the animals will be adopted over the weekend.

Volunteer cat worker Heather Brown said a number of the remaining cats have special needs that cannot be addressed at the smaller Victoria Park facility, so she is hoping they will find homes in the next couple of days. Some of the cats have been living at River Street for up to three years, she noted.

“There is not one cat there that is not adoptable,” Ms. Brown said. “The ones left, they’re so sweet, and you can kind of see their broken spirit a little bit. It’s almost like dodgeball, when you never want to be the last one picked for a team.”

The THS had about 1,200 animals in its care when the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raided the shelter in November, alleging a record of cruelty. Since then, more than 900 have been adopted out; about 130 euthanized, primarily for medical reasons; and dozens more placed in foster homes.

Mr. McConachie says the pending closure, during which staff training and minor renovations will take place, is akin to “hitting the reset button” in preparation for the shelter’s June 1 reopening.

The OSPCA, which has been monitoring animal care at the shelter, will no longer play an active role after the adoption blitz ends Sunday.