A facility west of London, Ont. that is supposed to protect animals and teach the public about wildlife is instead the scene of alleged abuse and neglect. Officials removed 28 creatures, many in very poor health, from the centre.
Investigators from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) were called to the wildlife centre in Kerwood for the second time Friday after receiving reports about creatures in distress on the property.
When they arrived they allegedly found a disturbing scene, including dogs in filthy pens without food or water, other malnourished animals, and two sickly ponies, one of which had to be put down.
"The foot was bent back and that was how it was walking," SPCA senior inspector Darren Grandel said Friday.
"And that was so bad a veterinarian had to euthanize it."
Twelve wolves, three coyotes, three wolf-dog hybrids, three raccoons, six shepherd-type dogs, and a single red-tailed fox were removed from the facility.
OSPCA inspectors were called to the property back in November. The organization says it removed 18 animals from the property in the fall, including a lion, eight dogs, six cats, two cockatoos and a turtle.
The 47-year-old owner is facing 11 counts of animal cruelty relating to that incident and officials are still investigating the current situation to determine if more charges should be laid.
Vivian Singer surrendered the animals to the SPCA voluntarily. She's scheduled to appear in a London court on May 31.