Guest Comments by Claudia Vecchio

Editor's Note: The writer represents the Organization for the Rescue of Animals (ORA) based in Toronto, Canada's largest city.

HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada -- Thousands of animals are killed every year by Hamilton Animal Control (HAC). People who disapprove should sign petitions circulating online (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ora-project-accountability-now/).

We request that: decisions in favor of euthanasia be taken collectively by senior staff at the Hamilton City pound, not left to one person; massive and barbaric killing of healthy animals be stopped; picking up and killing pets found roaming outside be stopped; a policy of trap, neuter and return (TNR) be implemented instead of scheduled killing; low-cost spay and neuter be made available to curb pet populations; fees for reclaiming animals be reduced; and the pound be opened to the public for animal-adoption purposes.

Since the tragic deaths of Treena and Britain, two cats, on April 29, they have become angelic symbols for the thousands of animals killed each year at HAC, a high-intake, high-kill pound. The HAC manager says the pound receives about 5,000 animals a year, likely more. The only ones who escape death are those saved via rescue, a privilege extended only to local grassroots groups like ORA.

Twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday mornings, and before the pound opens, a vet-technician administers horse sedatives to the animals marked for death. Soon after, a veterinarian arrives to end the innocent lives. Twice a week, every week, it's the same deadly routine.

HAC has no Website or bulletin to allow the public to adopt directly or even to retrieve unfortunate pets picked up by HAC. Bylaws allow HAC to detain any roaming cat. If unclaimed, the animal will be killed. Many cats that rescue groups save from HAC are tame, neutered or spayed and even declawed, all signs they're pets.

To express outrage against the senseless killing of thousands of animals each year at the HAC, we will collect signatures to demand immediate, much-needed changes. HAC's manager and staff are publicly funded and must be held accountable.

ARCHIVES