12.18.2008

tragedies in oshawa

Yesterday a fire swept through the Durham Humane Society in Oshawa, Ontario, killing (depending on which report is accurate) as many as 200 animals. Most of the animals that died - at least 140 - were cats, along with a few dogs and many smaller animals like hamsters and guinea pigs.

Rescue workers managed to save nine dogs and two cats.

The most tragic aspect is how avoidable this was. If everyone was responsible about spaying and neutering their animals - and if free or low-cost neutering was readily available - there would be no over-crowded animal shelters in the first place.

My heart goes out to the shelter workers, who must be traumatized and bereft. I have always been terrified of my animals being trapped in a fire, especially when we lived in an apartment building, where residents may not be as careful about fire as I am. I can scarcely imagine how people cope with a loss of this magnitude.

Truly, my heart goes out to the whole community of Oshawa. They're suffering from massive unemployment from auto plant closings. Two weeks ago there was a horrific attack that killed both parents and one son at a child's birthday party. And now hundreds of needy animals have been killed.

To donate to the the Durham Humane Society, go here.

For information on how to help the surviving members of the Kelly family, go here.

To help the struggling auto workers, get rid of Stephen Harper.

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