Animal Shelter Fire kills 160 cats

[CHINAdeals]

linkhttp://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081217.wpets_perish1217/BNStory/National


Fire kills 160 cats at animal shelter



The Canadian Press

December 17, 2008 at 2:06 PM EST

Oshawa, Ont. — Animal protection workers are mourning the loss of at least 160 cats which perished early Wednesday in a fire east of Toronto.

Firefighters, who were called to the Durham Humane Society in Oshawa, Ont., just after 2:30 a.m., arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames.

Emergency workers entered the building and rescued nine dogs, two cats and one rat, but scores of other animals succumbed to smoke inhalation, said Durham Region police.

“It's tragic that so many animals lost their lives so close to the holidays, where there was probably a good chance some of them would have found homes,” said Ian McConachie, a spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society.
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CTV Toronto: Humane Society tragedy

About 180 cats were killed early Wednesday morning after a fire broke out at a Durham animal shelter

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The Globe and Mail

Mr. McConachie said the workers, volunteers and supporters of the Oshawa facility are very emotional and distraught following the loss.

“It's always sad to lose an animal, to lose almost 200 is just unthinkable,” he said.

Alison Cross, a spokesperson for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, called the event “devastating.”

“Their life's work is towards animals and helping animals and unfortunately this tragic fire has destroyed that,” she said.

“They spend their lives taking care of these animals and something like this is really heartbreaking to see and hear.”

The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which hasn't yet been determined, said police.

The surviving animals were first taken for treatment at a Whitby, Ont., animal hospital and are now being housed at Oshawa Animal Services Clinic.

Investigators are still tabulating the exact number of cats who died.

The Ontario SPCA, which is affiliated with the Oshawa facility, will assist with cleaning up, removing and properly disposing of the dead cats' bodies. It will also help the branch become operational again.

Ms. Cross said the society will be following up with the fire investigations team.

“We definitely look to preventing this in the future, because animal protection is our number one priority and we never want to see anything like this again.”

In August 2006, the Ontario SPCA's Midland and District Branch was destroyed in a fire caused by a lightning strike. More than 30 animals were saved, while 29 perished. A subsequent fundraising campaign saw a new $1-million facility built as a result.

Damage to the Oshawa building is estimated at $250,000. The Ontario SPCA is accepting financial donations at 1-888-ONT-SPCA ext. 323 or via www.humanedurham.com.

http://itstrulyrandom.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/sadcat.jpg

zomg so sad

[beerbaron105]

It's weird that I feel more remorseful for the poor cats dying then if humans were to perish in the same blaze, desensitized I guess

[corrupt123]

It's weird that I feel more remorseful for the poor cats dying then if humans were to perish in the same blaze, desensitized I guess

I think it's got to do with the fact that a Human could have decided "it's worth the risk, I'll jump out the window/run through the fire/sit in the bathtub and wait it out. These animals however kind of just sat in their cages waiting to die...

:(

[darksith31]

Wow this is really sad. I feel horrible for the workers at the animal shelter. God only knows what they're going through.:(

[mightylobo]

NOOOO CATTSSSSSSSS :< ... Who has been masturbating 160 times?

[ipxxx]

damn....
and the picture the OP posted =(

[AmberMoon]

:(

[Snicla]

I think it's got to do with the fact that a Human could have decided "it's worth the risk, I'll jump out the window/run through the fire/sit in the bathtub and wait it out. These animals however kind of just sat in their cages waiting to die...

:(

More like the cages prevented them from being able to run out. I doubt any of the cats 'sat' there waiting to die.

[a2vr6]

I've gone by the shelter several times since moving to Durham region to drop off supplies, it's a very sad day. Please, feel free donate a few dollars to them, they will really need it at this point. :(

http://www.humanedurham.com/donations.html

[mightylobo]

Donate 20 dollars hope it helps >:(

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

-
How the hell does an animal shelter catches fire? Do they have kitchens there?

[MrBurns]

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE

I hope they install sprinklers when they rebuild.

[Think]

NOOOO CATTSSSSSSSS :< ... Who has been masturbating 160 times?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJJ2Ow6_HI

[CCCC3333]

http://www.facepalm.org/images/24.jpg

[Sepiraph]

Nooooooooooooooo I love dogs and especially cats >:(

When I heard it on the radio I was so sad. RIP in cat heaven.

[corrupt123]

More like the cages prevented them from being able to run out. I doubt any of the cats 'sat' there waiting to die.

Uhhhh thats the point I was trying to make..

[Lava]

http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/5/56/Nedm-hc.jpg

?

[tng11]

Geez why do I feel worse about this than if they said 160 people were killed in a suicide bomb in Iraq?

Poor animals never had a chance. >:( Question is, how did the fire start?

[CHINAdeals]

Geez why do I feel worse about this than if they said 160 people were killed in a suicide bomb in Iraq?

Poor animals never had a chance. >:( Question is, how did the fire start?

-
How the hell does an animal shelter catches fire? Do they have kitchens there?


i heard elsewhere it was a lightening struck the bldg/electrical wires.. and place started catching on fire

i think they said most of the animals died from smoke inhalation (peaceful death) .. i guess that's better'

[edgedamage]

Ugh kitties. Ok this thread really needs a dose of LOL cats NOW!!!
http://www.lolcats.com/

[edgedamage]

http://www.lolcats.com/video/21/

[Think]

Geez why do I feel worse about this than if they said 160 people were killed in a suicide bomb in Iraq?

Poor animals never had a chance. >:( Question is, how did the fire start?

You should really try and reflect on that since I find that comment to be very disturbing.

[time space]

I wonder how long it usually takes for that shelter to put down 160 unwanted cats by lethal injection?

[watching]

I wonder how long it usually takes for that shelter to put down 160 unwanted cats by lethal injection?

Why?

[vladislav]

This was the saddest piece of news in years :( Poor things.

[time space]

I wonder how long it usually takes for that shelter to put down 160 unwanted cats by lethal injection?

Why?

It's not as if they were living in cat paradise - they were already on death row.

[panoptio]

Geez why do I feel worse about this than if they said 160 people were killed in a suicide bomb in Iraq?

Poor animals never had a chance. >:( Question is, how did the fire start?

Thats a pretty horrific thing to say.


You should really try and reflect on that since I find that comment to be very disturbing.




+1

[ricoboxing]

I can't stand cats, but still feel a LITTLE bad for them. In the end though, they were probably gonna be euthanized anywayz.

[joeyjoejoe]

It's not as if they were living in cat paradise - they were already on death row.

I can't stand cats, but still feel a LITTLE bad for them. In the end though, they were probably gonna be euthanized anywayz.

Do you guys really believe that shelters have a 100% euthanasia rate?

[mself084]

Are there any calls for donations? My gf and I would love to help out... such a sad story, especially a week before xmas :(

[Zephyr22b]

Are there any calls for donations? My gf and I would love to help out... such a sad story, especially a week before xmas :(

Yes. and you can make donations here
http://www.humanedurham.com/donations.html

[time space]

Do you guys really believe that shelters have a 100% euthanasia rate?

What is the rate?

I'd bet more than half were doomed anyway. Dying sooner may have been a blessing for those animals. The real villain is irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter their animals.

[watching]

It's not as if they were living in cat paradise - they were already on death row.

No they weren't, the majority of them, if not all of them, were up for adoption, as are all animals at any humane society or spca. This was so tragic.

[radeonboy]

If anyone makes fun of this incident, you're a pretty sick person. This is a horrible incident.

[Shaner]

What is the rate?

I'd bet more than half were doomed anyway. Dying sooner may have been a blessing for those animals. The real villain is irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter their animals.

My god I hate ignorant people.

Do you realize that many humane societies will not euthanize an animal unless it's badly injured or too sick to have any reasonable chance of survival? Many SPCA's do not kill animals, even older animals that aren't likely to be adopted. They do what they can to find places for the animals, they do not kill them.

Other places do euthanize animals on a case by case basis, but most animals at the SPCA will be adopted, it's only a matter of time. Sure, animals do not like being in cages and it's not exactly "animal heaven," but it's far better than being burned alive or choking to death on toxic smoke. Smoke inhalation is NOT a pleasant way to go. Those animals would have been panicking trying to escape.

[time space]

What is the rate?

I'd bet more than half were doomed anyway. Dying sooner may have been a blessing for those animals. The real villain is irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter their animals.

My god I hate ignorant people.

Do you realize that many humane societies will not euthanize an animal unless it's badly injured or too sick to have any reasonable chance of survival? Many SPCA's do not kill animals, even older animals that aren't likely to be adopted. They do what they can to find places for the animals, they do not kill them.

Other places do euthanize animals on a case by case basis, but most animals at the SPCA will be adopted, it's only a matter of time. Sure, animals do not like being in cages and it's not exactly "animal heaven," but it's far better than being burned alive or choking to death on toxic smoke. Smoke inhalation is NOT a pleasant way to go. Those animals would have been panicking trying to escape.
We share a distaste for ignorant people. At least I was asking about the rate, and it turns out I wasn't too far off. I can't find the Durham stats, but according to the Toronto Star (http://www.thestar.com/News/article/297563) the rate of euthanasia varies from 10-50% in Toronto.

And as I stated above, the real problem is irresponsible owners - I'm hardly a supporter of any creature dying in fire

[mself084]

Just donated $40. Hopefully it helps get a new building up and running soon.

[sprung]

I can't stand cats, but still feel a LITTLE bad for them. In the end though, they were probably gonna be euthanized anywayz.

Wrong, according to the Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081218.whumane18/BNStory/National/) "The Humane Society of Durham Region is a no-kill shelter, euthanizing only animals that are terminally ill or dangerous. Cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and other small domestic animals - rescued, found or abandoned - stayed for as long as it took to find a home."

[Broseph]

http://www.facepalm.org/images/24.jpghttp://meow.catsplz.com/cats/pictures/339/srsly-u-guys.jpg

[Shaner]

We share a distaste for ignorant people. At least I was asking about the rate, and it turns out I wasn't too far off. I can't find the Durham stats, but according to the Toronto Star (http://www.thestar.com/News/article/297563) the rate of euthanasia varies from 10-50% in Toronto.

And as I stated above, the real problem is irresponsible owners - I'm hardly a supporter of any creature dying in fire

You were way off! 10-50% is far from "more than half" like you stated. Besides, your stats came from Toronto, as another posted has found out, the Durham SPCA was a no-kill shelter. So I guess it turns out none of the animals "were doomed anyway."

Anyway, that's all besides the point, my issue is you stating that most of them were doomed. That's a pretty crappy thing to say when 160 animals died in a fire. Sometimes it's just better to say nothing. Just because you have the freedom of speech doesn't mean you have to exercise it at all times.

[hardcandy1911]

Poor little thing...

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/images/1195672525188_Cat-4.jpg


Ahhh Screw them who cares if they died they are evil and useless animal.

http://www.maniacworld.com/meanest-cat-ever.jpg

[Billa-786]

How cats can be so much fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUKoovVjqUc

[watching]

Just donated $40. Hopefully it helps get a new building up and running soon.

+1 That was very kind of you to donate.

[hardcandy1911]

Donating isnt going to bring the cats back to life!

I'll tell you something, as much as I think donating is always for a good cause you should spare yourself especially for situations like these. People think because they donate karma will bring them better joy or some crap like that.

Donations should go towards the poor not animals. With that being said im sure even donations to africa have their own scams of their own.

Im not hating, but spare it. "I just donated $40", like honestly you really want to make yourself feel special by telling everyone? If you donated then keep it to yourself dont understand why you want to tell everyone what u did.

Talk about showing off.

[Think]

What about us:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/content/images/2007/10/09/cow_and_chicken_400x300.jpg

[hardcandy1911]

What about us:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/content/images/2007/10/09/cow_and_chicken_400x300.jpg


+100

Another reason why media plays a huge role in this. For every group theirs always a sucker to give a donation to something or someone. If it were cows dying then im sure some stupid old bag would be sending her donations to the WWF. Ahhh good to know people have lots of money to throw away to filthy rich companies who cant afford to substain their own foundation, but instead steal from the poor.

[Spidey]

This was the saddest piece of news in years :( Poor things.

Your kidding right. Soldiers are dying in Iraq and this is the saddest news :mad:

Get your priorities in check, their cats, not people

[Nikita]

Donating isnt going to bring the cats back to life!

I'll tell you something, as much as I think donating is always for a good cause you should spare yourself especially for situations like these. People think because they donate karma will bring them better joy or some crap like that.

Donations should go towards the poor not animals. With that being said im sure even donations to africa have their own scams of their own.

Im not hating, but spare it. "I just donated $40", like honestly you really want to make yourself feel special by telling everyone? If you donated then keep it to yourself dont understand why you want to tell everyone what u did.

Talk about showing off.

+100

Another reason why media plays a huge role in this. For every group theirs always a sucker to give a donation to something or someone. If it were cows dying then im sure some stupid old bag would be sending her donations to the WWF. Ahhh good to know people have lots of money to throw away to filthy rich companies who cant afford to substain their own foundation, but instead steal from the poor.

You are one seriously disturbed individual. I almost feel as sorry for you as I do for the cats...almost.

[hardcandy1911]

You are one seriously disturbed individual. I almost feel as sorry for you as I do for the cats...almost.

Hmmm Im still interested to know what makes you think that of me? Your not really backing it up by stating you feel sorry for me. How am I supposed to admit (if it were the case) if your not being blunt.

But hey, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings but I speak for most of the people in here when Im needless to say that animals arent as important as you think. Humans for one are an exceptional reason, possibly dead soldiers?

You know Nikita, cats havent done squat for us since mankind and I dont see how you would think im a disturbing individual because Im being defensive over some stupid cats.

Yes stupid cats, you know I cant be feeling sorry for every animal that dies unintentionally let alone human beings. Grow up Nikita\

[mself084]

'tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la!

BANNED :D

[king_george]

Wow self-importance, personal attacks and making absurd comparisons all in one post.

Enjoy your holidays away from RFD :lol:

[hardcandy1911]

just cause she is the favorited poster doesnt mean she gets the upper hand. Not in my books.

[Think]

You are one seriously disturbed individual. I almost feel as sorry for you as I do for the cats...almost.

You are seriously disturbed for making that comment.

[edgedamage]

+100

Another reason why media plays a huge role in this. For every group theirs always a sucker to give a donation to something or someone. If it were cows dying then im sure some stupid old bag would be sending her donations to the WWF. Ahhh good to know people have lots of money to throw away to filthy rich companies who cant afford to substain their own foundation, but instead steal from the poor.

Awww mommy and daddy take away your xbox? Is that why you are so bitter?

[hardcandy1911]

hush little boy, go play halo.

[vladislav]

Your kidding right. Soldiers are dying in Iraq and this is the saddest news :mad:

Get your priorities in check, their cats, not people

Soldiers make a choice, cats don't. My priorities is where I want them to be thank you very much.

And about euthanasia you guys are nuts, go ask any shelter, no animal gets killed unless they absolutely have to.

[panoptio]

Soldiers make a choice, cats don't. My priorities is where I want them to be thank you very much.

And about euthanasia you guys are nuts, go ask any shelter, no animal gets killed unless they absolutely have to.

Police officers make a choice
Soldiers make a choice
Firefighters make a choice


Its a risky job but someone has to do it. They put their life on the line to protect your sorry ass. Do you still mourn the loss of a cat more since they "didn't have a choice"?. Grow up

[Spidey]

Soldiers make a choice, cats don't. My priorities is where I want them to be thank you very much.

And about euthanasia you guys are nuts, go ask any shelter, no animal gets killed unless they absolutely have to.

Sure its sad news it happened, but to say its the saddest news ever, then your priroites arent exactly right, or you've never had anything actually bad happen to you.

[sweeper]

+100

Another reason why media plays a huge role in this. For every group theirs always a sucker to give a donation to something or someone. If it were cows dying then im sure some stupid old bag would be sending her donations to the WWF. Ahhh good to know people have lots of money to throw away to filthy rich companies who cant afford to substain their own foundation, but instead steal from the poor.

+1 Organizations always play on your emotions. Honesty; human nature, in one week no one will give a ****

[sweeper]

Soldiers make a choice, cats don't. My priorities is where I want them to be thank you very much.

And about euthanasia you guys are nuts, go ask any shelter, no animal gets killed unless they absolutely have to.

. . .

You're not seriously implying that humans and cats are on an equal basis. Incredible. :|

[edgedamage]

hush little boy, go play halo.

Nah it's more fun pushing your button and watch you say the wrong thing only to get yourself banned. F****g with peoples minds is the best form of entertainment I can think of.
Looks like the mice got the cats back big time, the fire was caused by mice chewing on wires. For the record I have a cat and love it BUT I would never value an animals life over a humans.

[mself084]

+100

Another reason why media plays a huge role in this. For every group theirs always a sucker to give a donation to something or someone. If it were cows dying then im sure some stupid old bag would be sending her donations to the WWF. Ahhh good to know people have lots of money to throw away to filthy rich companies who cant afford to substain their own foundation, but instead steal from the poor.

What is wrong with you? Do you have some hostility towards animals? I donated $40 because I care for animals (in particularly cats, as my gf and i have 2), and want to help the Durham humane society re-build so that they can continue to foster abandoned/unwanted animals, and help them find new homes. Sorry if that pisses you off. I donate to charities that support humans, if that makes you feel better.

Anyways, this thread is going to be locked. I hope hardcandy gets at least a temp ban for calling another member the C word.