Cat tally now over one hundred
On April 25, officials from the Ontario Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed 55 cats from Diane Way’s home on Manor Road.
As of May 24, the total number of cats removed has climbed up to over 100.
Neighbours have been complaining about the state of the house for years, but no serious action had been taken.
It wasn’t until a federal election pollster detected a foul odour coming from the home that Toronto Police along with OSPCA responded.
“They were all loose in the home — hiding in the roof and the walls,” said OSPCA spokesperson Alison Cross. “It took several days to get them out”.
Removing them has been a difficult task as the cats were feral, Cross said.
“These weren’t domestic cats,” she said. “They weren’t used to human interaction.”
Cross told the Town Crier last month that the animals had been subjected to an inadequate living environment.
The first 50 cats were found to have skin and respiratory problems, but deeper investigation has led to a longer list of health problems such as ruptured eyes, urine scalding, genetic health problems due to inbreeding, open sores and hair loss.
Way has been charged for animal cruelty and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
Next-door neighbour Peter Murphy said although he always knew she had an abundance of cats, he was surprised by the total number.
“The entire house has been falling into decay,” he said pointing out the unruly garden and front porch.
Murphy has been the most vocal neighbour against Way’s living conditions as it directly affected his.
“I’ve been dealing with the smell,” said Murphy. “It’s atrocious, especially in the summer.”
Although he is relieved that the cats have been removed he is mindful that nothing will be resolved until her court appearance in June.
Other neighbours said Way was always very serious and withdrawn from the rest of the neighbourhood.
“I don’t know if the cats will be any better, but I hope it leads to her getting the help she needs,” Murphy said. “I think that’s the most important thing.”
