A wildlife rehabilitation facility that specifically caters to racoons is calling on Ontario to return the animals after they claim they were “unjustly seized.”
Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue took to Facebook late last month after it said Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Enforcement Branch took away more than 95 raccoons from its centre.
According to the organization, during the “military-style” raid the animals were “hunted down” within their enclosures by assigned handlers.
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“They were stalked and ruthlessly chased like prey within, what was supposed to be, the safety of their home. These were ALL our healthy, fully vaccinated babies we had been raising through the spring and summer, many of which were just days away from being released,” the organization said.
The group goes on to say that the raccoon’s terrified screams and desperate cries for help could be heard.
According to the Canadian Press, the rehab facility is accused of violating the provincial wildlife conservation act. However, the facility says it did nothing wrong.
“There have been NO allegations of animal abuse under the Criminal Code of Canada. Common sense would dictate that if any animal abuse was alleged, the police would immediately charge everyone responsible with a criminal offence. That has NOT happened. In fact, to date, there have been no charges laid of any kind under any type of regulations,” it said.
Right now, the sanctuary is raising funds to take legal action against the provincial government in order to stop an alleged “mass execution” of their beloved raccoons.
On Friday, the centre will hold a peaceful protest at Queen’s Park at noon.
Now Toronto reached out to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and it shared that it received information from the public regarding the licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility.
“In response to this information, an investigation was opened and on September 26, 2023, Conservation Officers conducted a search warrant in support of this investigation. The ministry took custody of affected wildlife and transported them to a secure facility to be cared for. Experts were on site to ensure the safety and welfare of the wildlife throughout the operation, including those specializing in wildlife care, handling and health. A veterinarian is currently supporting the ongoing care of these animals,” it said in an email statement.
