An animal shelter in southwestern Ontario is facing a tough situation after receiving a bill from the province’s animal welfare service (PAWS) for nearly $200,000.
The Saving Animals’ Lives Together shelter in St. Thomas, Ont., reported getting an account statement from PAWS earlier this week. They were charged $198,156.28 for expenses related to the removal of nearly 60 cats from their facility.
The costs outlined in the statement revealed that $125,640.50 was spent on veterinary services, while boarding fees amounted to $72,524.78.
“Have you ever been hit by a two-by-four,” said Bonnie Smith with SALT. “I figured it would be around $200,000. I don’t know, I just figured because when they came in the way they did and so gung-ho, it’s like, ‘We got to shut this person down.”
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Smith mentioned that they received the statement on Monday.
During an inspection by PAWS back in May, there were about 140 cats at the shelter.
Soon after that inspection, SALT learned a complaint had been filed against them; however, Smith stated they weren’t informed of who made it or what it entailed.
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1:57 Halifax animal shelter sees influx in kittens
“Owners or custodians are responsible for the costs associated with Provincial Animal Welfare Services removing distressed animals from their facility to protect the animal’s safety and welfare,” said Brent Ross, a spokesperson in the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
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In an email to , Ross indicated that if the bill isn’t paid or appealed by the deadline, ownership of any remaining animals will transfer to Crown property.
No additional information was provided since Ross mentioned that this matter remains under investigation.
Drowning under such a large bill has led Smith to explore different options including organizing a fundraiser.
“We’re at the mercy of compassionate people who care about animals to help us,” said Smith while adding they could receive another invoice soon.
The account statement pointed out that more statements could be issued for further costs related to caring for these animals by the chief animal welfare inspector.
Saving Animals’ Lives Together is pictured in St. Thomas, Ont. Saving Animals’ Lives Together
& copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. PAWS designated a shelter vet and later moved several cats to the Toronto Humane Society. The organization confirmed it received 41 cats but refrained from commenting further due to an ongoing provincial investigation. A short time later another roughly 66 cats were taken away. The rescue was subsequently informed that 17 were euthanized without their consent. “It was so heartbreaking, so heartbreaking,” she said. “The whole staff, everybody, was just in tears.” The full cost falls on SALT under section 35 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act of 2019 and payment is due by August 25.
1:57 Halifax animal shelter sees influx in kittens
“Owners or custodians are responsible for the costs associated with Provincial Animal Welfare Services removing distressed animals from their facility to protect the animal’s safety and welfare,” said Brent Ross, a spokesperson in the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
More on Canada More videos
Story continues below
In an email to , Ross indicated that if the bill isn’t paid or appealed by the deadline, ownership of any remaining animals will transfer to Crown property.
No additional information was provided since Ross mentioned that this matter remains under investigation.
Drowning under such a large bill has led Smith to explore different options including organizing a fundraiser.
“We’re at the mercy of compassionate people who care about animals to help us,” said Smith while adding they could receive another invoice soon.
The account statement pointed out that more statements could be issued for further costs related to caring for these animals by the chief animal welfare inspector.
Saving Animals’ Lives Together is pictured in St. Thomas, Ont. Saving Animals’ Lives Together
& copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
