[Cathy1]

NEWMARKET, ON, (March 16, 2007) – Approximately 15 Ontario SPCA investigators are on scene today at an animal facility located in the Township of Adelaide-Metcalfe, west of London to remove 28 animals - including 12 wolves, three wolf-dog hybrids, three raccoons, one red-tailed fox, three coyotes, and six shepherd-type dogs.

An assessment of the animals on the property began yesterday following information provided to the Ontario SPCA regarding animals in distress. Three dogs were found inside the house in filthy pens and without food or water. Ontario SPCA investigators issued Orders for improved living conditions and food and water, which were complied with. Investigators then found a black stallion pony in the barn with severe hoof ailments that lead to the veterinarian on scene recommending that the animal be humanely euthanized. As well, a brown mare pony was removed due to poor living conditions and poor body condition. The Ontario SPCA has relocated the pony to a boarding facility where she is receiving proper care.

Investigators also requested a veterinarian with expertise in wildlife to help assess the condition of the other animals on the property. The veterinarian ordered the removal of all of the animals due to filthy living conditions and the thin body condition of the animals - there was inadequate food and no fresh water available to the animals. Due to the lateness in the day which would impede the safety of the investigators handling the wolves at dark, and the logistics of finding facilities to relocate all of these animals to, Ontario SPCA investigators followed the veterinarian's recommendations for how to keep the animals as comfortable as possible through the night until the removal could be carried out today. The owner has surrendered all of the animals to the Ontario SPCA, which has been working diligently to find facilities to care for the different species involved.

Following the removal of the animals today the investigation will continue with charges pending. The owner of the facility, Vivian Singer, 47, of Kerwood currently faces 11 counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada following the removal of 18 animals, including one lion, eight dogs, six cats, two cockatoos and one turtle, from the same property in November, 2006. Charges include eight counts for failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, care and medical attention to eight dogs and one lion; two counts for failing to provide suitable and adequate care to six cats and two cockatoos; and one count for failing to provide medical attention to three cats. Singer is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, London, on May 31, 2007.

"This is a perfect example of why we need passage of legislation such as Liberal MPP David Zimmer's Private Members Bill - Bill 154, The Regulation of Zoos Act," says Hugh Coghill, Ontario SPCA Acting Chief Inspector. "We see animals living in horrible conditions, but without regulations for the standard of care for the animals in these types of facilities, our hands are tied until the situation deteriorates to what we are seeing with these animals being removed today."