The Humane Society admitted using donated money, intended for the animals welfare, because of legal battles.
The OSPCA found that dogs and cats were eating food with expiration dates of September 2005.
The OSPCA has also discovered that pet food suppliers won't deliver to the shelter unless they're paid in cash because the shelte rwas so far behind in payments.
When the OSPCA inspectors raided the shelter, they found under-weight animals, sick animals in need of medical attention and pain medication and a caged, mummified cat in the ceiling.
Inspectors also reported that dozens of animals were left to die in their cages without proper care and nutrition.
And it was also stated that these sick animals were left to die an agonizing death in their cages because of the no-kill policy at the Humane Society.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) said it found animals in such poor health that four of them had to be put down.
"When we find dead cats in the ceiling, you wonder what else is here," investigators said.
The Toronto Humane Society said it will hire an interim executive director to review its operations in light of the charges against five employees including its president.
The rescue shelter says they will hire a "well-respected veterinarian" (as oppose to the non-respected ones available) to head its clinical team and "ensure the society follows a responsible policy of euthanasia."
About 1,100 animals are still inside and under the care of veterinarians, and will be put up for adoption Tuesday when the shelter reopens, the OSPCA said.
Five senior officials were arrested and charged with animal cruelty after police conducted a Thursday afternoon raid:
- President Tim Trow.
- General manager Gary McCracken.
- Head veterinarian Dr. Steve Sheridan.
- Supervisor Andy Bechtel.
- Manager Romeo Bernadino.
Members of the society's board of directors were also charged with five counts of animal cruelty.
Grasping at straws, Humane Society spokesperson called the OSPCA's actions disgusting and politically motivated.
Tim Trow, (above photo)
president of the Toronto Humane Society,
sits in the back of a police car after his arrest.
