Wahnapitae animal shelter passes first provincial inspection

Sudbury's new animal shelter in Wahnapitae passed its first provincial inspection, getting the highest rating possible in all ten categories.

And although the staff is pleased with the Ministry of Agriculture's inspection report, Melissa Laalo, the city's animal care coordinator, said that the daily rigours of seeing neglected and abused animals takes its toll.

"What you see is just animals that are either abandoned, lost, scared, some neglected issues," Laalo said, "things that just are difficult for staff, especially the animal lovers."

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The staff is able to support one another, and Laalo said she doesn't take their staff's stress lightly.

"You can see their faces when they see an animal that's in distress. It's hurtful for everybody."

Workers permitted to take a break from shelter, if needed

Laalo said they've been able to relieve some of the pressure on staff by circulating them through different locations.

"It`s enforcement officers that are at the shelter so they can come in to Tom Davies to do some just strictly enforcement work and then take a break from the shelter if they need to," Laalo said.

Since the shelter opened in October, 140 cats and dogs came in, Laalo said.

The majority of those were adopted or fostered out, or returned to their owners.

Laalo said an animal is only euthanized by a veterinarian if there is a serious injury, and that is on a case by case basis.