A search warrant allowing the OSPCA to scour the Toronto Humane Society for more evidence to back up its claims of animal cruelty expires Monday night.
But investigators claim they’ve uncovered so much, they need more time to look through the shelter.
"We're still finding dehydrated cats, animals that are in immediate distress that need care right away," OSPCA lead investigator Kevin Strooband said.
The facility will likely be closed for another week. Officials at the THS did not return phone calls.
Initially, the THS main office was schedule to remain closed on Monday, with facility opening as usual on Tuesday. It looks like that plan will change.
Investigators with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) claim the large amount of evidence they’ve uncovered forced them to apply for an extension to their search warrant.
"When we find dead cats in the ceiling, so you wonder what else is here," Strooband said. "We need more time to carry out this investigation, but we will be keeping the public notified of our progress and how they can help."
The OSPCA raided the River Street animal shelter on Thursday, following the arrests of four top management staff, including president Tim Trow, and the chief veterinarian, on animal cruelty, and other charges.
The THS officials deny any wrongdoing.
In a release on its website, the THS claims the OSPCA has no legal right to remain at the facility past midnight Monday.
“Despite the claims of Ontario SPCA officials they have no legal right to maintain custody of the Toronto Humane Society and Hospital facility at 11 River St. past midnight on Monday, November 30th, 2009,” the THS release states.
OSPCA investigators spent the weekend poring over THS financial records and computer files. They claim donations meant for animal care were intended to fund current legal battles and ill cats were fed food that was six years past its expiry date.
They also claim the shelter had fallen behind in paying its bills and suppliers were demanding payments.
Strooband said one cat's claws were ingrown so badly it required surgery to fix the problem.
"There was a note on her file saying that her nails had to be trimmed in January of '09, but due to lack of staff she was overlooked until yesterday," he alleges.
Eight animals were euthanized over the weekend due to their poor health, according to the OSPCA.
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