Toronto Humane Society 'heartbroken' after rescue van stolen
Toronto Humane Society (THS) staff say they are “heartbroken” after a van critical to their work was stolen.
“This van was more than just a van. It was a rescue tool, a mobile lifeline that has carried hundreds of animals to safety, to security, and to the start of something new,” the non-profit organization said in a news release issued Tuesday.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Aside from the transportation of rescue animals, the van was also used to deliver pet food and attend community events -- all efforts which have been hampered by the theft, Hannah Sotropa, assistant manager of communications at the THS, told CTV News Toronto in an interview.
Most recently, the van was used to transport a tiny puppy with a broken leg and a senior dog with medical complications.
On Monday night, THS said, two individuals broke into the downtown facility’s parking garage at approximately 11 p.m. and stole the vehicle.
No staff or animals were harmed during the break in, according to THS. Additional security measures have since been put in place to protect staff and animal safety for the immediate future.
In addition to the van itself, Sotropa said, a number of other key pieces of equipment were stolen, including walkie-talkies, an industrial vacuum, and a pressure washer.
Toronto police confirmed to CTV News Toronto they are investigating the incident.
THS said that officers attended the facility on Tuesday morning.
In total, Sotropa said, the value of the goods stolen is somewhere between $50 and $60,000.
“It's not a small expenditure, especially for a non-profit who, you know, rely solely on the generous support of our donors and supporters,” she said.
In an effort to recoup their losses and buy a replacement rescue van, THS has set up a fundraiser where individuals can donate.
“Asking for your help now feels strange because of the intensity of emotions that arise when we think of this unfortunate event. But the need has never been more urgent,” the news release continued.
In the meantime, THS said it will be forced to rent a van and lean on its other vehicle, which is not dedicated to animal rescue transfers, to support its work.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.