During the city strike, spare a thought for the animals housed at the city's four shelters. Animal lovers in this city are concerned about what's going to happen to them with unionized staffers on strike. The good news, according to Kevin Sack, communications director for Toronto, is that "the City is a lover of pets and animals and we'll do what we have to do to look after them — day and night."
Provisions have been made, according to Sack. First, normal operations have been suspended. One of the four centres is closed for the duration — the Horse Palace, Exhibition Place — and the other three have gone to shortened hours, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. The three open shelters are:
146 The East Mall (West Region)
13000 Sheppard Ave. W. (North)
821 Progress Ave. (East)
In an interview today, Sack said there are currently 400 animals in the care of Toronto Animal Services. There is, he added, "no change to our policy for the protection of these animals, as long as they are healthy and we don't run out of room." Asked what would happen if TAS ran out of room, he said the city would bring in more people to ensure animals are cared for. Under no circumstances, would more animals be euthanized. He stressed: "That is absolutely not the case . . . It's not part of our plan."
With two unions out, Sack said shelter animals are being looked after by management staff, which includes managers and non-unionized staffers from the animal centres, as well as other City staffers who have been re-assigned, and would have received proper training. He did not elaborate.
"They have more than they need," Sack said, of people looking after shelter animals during the strike. "Don't forget, these are dedicated people. They really care about the animals and will do whatever is required to protect their health and welfare." It goes without saying, he added, "they'll be incredibly busy."
* * *
Perhaps one of the best sources during the strike is a great blog — onebarkatatime — written by a volunteer for Toronto Animal Services. He has informed comment about the potential impact of the strike on the animal centres . My favorite part of this blog by "Fred" — really? — is his non-profile profile. (Maybe botox does work on sweaty feet, Fred. Of course, you'll never walk again.)
The animals will probably get better care with the managers and other people who care than with the CUPE bozos who are cleverly blocking/delaying access to City Hall. So those of us who wanted to go to Service Canada today had three choices: wait an hour or so, go to Dufferin Mall or wait untuil the strike is over. Thanks, CUPE!
Posted by: Andrew | June 22, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Caring for the animals is as essential a service as are the ambulances, hospitals, fire department and police. Without the care required these animals could die and suffer and that would be criminal.
Posted by: Iliana | June 24, 2009 at 03:49 PM
I suspect that these animals will weather the strike. Staff that I have met at the shelters seem to care about animals but what of the hundreds of dogs and cats at the Hamilton Wentworth Animal Control? http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON112.html
There is a "culling" monday, wednesday and friday each week. Call it euthenasia if you will. These animals are being killed.
Posted by: Sharon Wright | June 24, 2009 at 09:26 PM