Animals from northern Canada rescued by OSPCA

One of the cats rescued by the OSPCA from northern communities.

Several animals have a second chance at life, thanks to major rescue efforts.

Fifty animals were rescued from remote northern communities by the Ontario OSPCA and Humane Society throughout the month of January.

These communities deal with extreme winter conditions, limited supplies and hazardous travel. With limited access to veterinary care like spay and neuter services, the animal populations continue to grow across northern Canada.

The OSPCA acquired 23 cats, seven puppies and three dogs, some coming as far away as 2,000 kilometres.

The rescue was made possible by the Northern Reach Network, the Bark Bus and staff and volunteers.

The animals are currently at various OSPCA locations across the province including Barrie, Orillia, Midland and York Region, and will soon be adopted into loving homes.

“There is an urgent and growing need in the north this winter,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA. “Communities are reaching out earlier and more often for support as extreme weather and supply challenges make it harder for people to care for their animals.”

The OSPCA delivers food and mobile wellness services as well as offering longer term solutions like managing population and adoption initiatives.

In early January, the animal centre brought in 18 puppies and a nursing dog with three babies from northern communities. It also sent up more than 12,000 pounds of food.

The OSPCA is a registered charity and fully donor-funded.