Pet Store Abandons Animals

Toronto, August 17, 2006 - The Toronto Humane Society is desperate to find loving, forever homes for the hundreds of pets in its care after recently rescuing 133 animals from an abandoned pet store.

Thankfully, a concerned citizen contacted The Society about the Everything Under the Sun pet store, located in the Dufferin and Bloor area. The store appeared closed and unattended for at least three days. Toronto Police and THS investigators attended the store Wednesday, August 16 and determined the animals were in distress. They entered the shop and were met with the unbearable stench of feces and hundreds of circulating flies. THS Investigator, Tom Borescevski found a dead bird in one cage, a dead rat in another cage, rabbits running freely, and a King snake in the same cage as helpless birds. The majority of animals did not have food or water. All animals appeared distressed, hungry and dehydrated. The Society seized 58 small domestic animals including rabbits, hamsters and rats as well as 32 birds, 34 reptiles, two dogs and seven kittens. The store owner is facing criminal charges.