Investigators from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals executed search warrants this afternoon at the Toronto Humane Society (THS) and a private residence.

"The warrants were issued in an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty at the Toronto Humane Society," OSPCA spokesperson Rosaline Ryan told reporters Thursday.

"Five people were named in the search warrants and are being charged with criminal offences."

THS president Tim Trow is to be charged with Criminal Code offences such as two counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer, she said.

The THS's head veterinarian and three other staffers are also to face charges:

  • Dr. Steve Sheridan - cruelty to animals
  • Gary McCracken, general manager - cruelty animals (2), obstruction of a peace officer (3)
  • Andy Bechtel - cruelty animals (2), obstruction of a peace officer (3)
  • Romeo Bernadino - cruelty animals (2), obstruction of a peace officer (3)

In addition, the above plus the THS's board of directors will face five charges of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

Police officers loaded the suspect into police cruisers. They were to be taken to 52 Division for processing.

OSPCA officials said the charges stem from an inspection they carried out in early June.

Earlier this year, the Globe and Mail newspaper ran a series of investigative articles alleging that animals in the shelter were suffering and dying in cages rather than being euthanized.

This led to an investigation by the OSPCA in early June.

"Four cats in particular were found to be in distress at that time," OSPCA investigator Kevin Strooband told reporters.

Criminal lawyer Christopher Avery said there were three prongs of liability:

  • failing to provide basic wants and needs to the animals
  • no disease or pathogen control
  • medically untrained management has the final say in medical care

"That has left literally hundreds of animals to suffer to death in their cages," he said.

During the raid, officers used pepper spray to subdue a dog named Bandit, which was being kept by Trow. The dog is under a euthanasia order for a 2004 attack on a three-year-old child, but that order is under appeal.

"Immediately upon entering Mr. Trow's offices, Bandit attacked Toronto Police Service members assisting with the warrant," Avery said. "The dog was pepper-sprayed and taken into control."

Avery said investigators will be going through the facility "cage by cage, animal by animal" and comparing those findings with veterinary records.

The OSPCA received a tip that about two dozen animals were hidden during the June investigation because of their condition, he said.

No allegations against Trow or the others have been proven in a court of law. The THS will be closed to the public over the next few days.

"We're doing our best to help the Toronto Humane Society get back on its feet," Avery said.