Fire at Private Residence in Fenelon Falls-300 Animals Saved!

KAWARTHA LAKES, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 31, 2011) - The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes and Ontario SPCA Communities across the province worked through the night to save 300 animals (small animals, cats, "pocket pets", birds, and 3 dogs) from a house fire in the Fenelon Falls area.

On January 29, 2011 at around 2:00pm the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes received a call from Kawartha Lakes Fire Services asking for assistance in the rescue of hundreds of animals. The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes responded immediately to the call. Knowing that it would be impossible for them to treat and house 300 animals alone, the Society called on the Ontario SPCA who in turn reached out to its 50 communities across Ontario to provide assistance with the removal of all the animals. In addition, veterinarians were called to the scene to perform triage on the animals.

By 8:30pm all 300 animals were rescued from the house with the assistance from the Peterborough Humane Society, the Alliston Humane Society, and the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington, Orillia, and Barrie Branches, and Provincial Office Staff. A triage unit was set-up off-site to examine the animals; by 2:30am Sunday morning, all 300 animals had been seen by a veterinarian and cleared to be transported to various shelters for continued care. All the animals survived.

"It was amazing to see Ontario SPCA Officers from all across the province, as well as veterinarians and fire services, all working together to save these helpless animals," said Connie Mallory, Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA.

"I believe it's because of the collaboration between Ontario SPCA communities and the dedication of our Agents and Inspectors that every animal was able to survive," said Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA.

The animals remain in the care of the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes, and various Ontario SPCA Branches and Affiliates while an investigation begins into the situation concerning the 300 animals. Kawartha Lakes Fire Services is conducting their own investigation into the cause of the house fire.

The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes and the Ontario SPCA would like to reassure the public that the 300 animals are now getting the care and attention they deserve. More information will be provided to the public as it becomes available.

When asked for a comment, a representative from the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes said, "Our first job is to make sure that animals in distress are getting the care they need. I am so inspired by the selfless actions of all concerned. Everyone worked hard to deliver emergency care that managed to save so many animals.

The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes: Established in 1986, the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes, formerly "Victoria County Humane Society" serves the City of Kawartha Lakes. The Animal Adoption Centre at 111 McLaughlin Road in Lindsay opened in October 1999 and serves as the base of operations for the Society's multi-faceted animal welfare work. The Society is a registered charitable organization that does not receive any on-going funding from any level of government. In order to continue our work, we depend on the generous support of the community, and the tireless efforts of many animal loving volunteers.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.