LAURIE WEIR
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SMITHS FALLS — A severely ill stray cat found under a truck in Smiths Falls was humanely euthanized this week after a local rescuer brought the animal to a veterinary clinic.
The bill was $485, including a $300 emergency fee. The charity that stepped in says the town should pay the bill.
The cat was discovered on Aug. 5 by a woman in town, who found it in visible distress. She reached out to Mel Young of Mel’s Farm – All Animal Rescue. Young told her to call animal control and provided the number and website link.
After receiving a photo showing the cat’s condition, Young decided to respond herself.
“When I saw that picture, I knew time was crucial,” Young said in a letter to Smiths Falls Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough, who oversees the town’s bylaw and animal control. “Knowing how busy animal control is, or the time it might take for them to attend, I rushed right over.”
Several neighbours were waiting with a carrier. They helped secure the animal, which was taken to the Smiths Falls Veterinary Clinic. Young left a voicemail for animal control and called the clinic to request an emergency intake.
While on the way, she received a call back from the town’s animal control officer. According to Young, she was told the town would not assist because a registered charity had already taken custody of the cat.
Veterinary staff determined the cat was in extreme pain, likely from a facial tumour or infection. It was euthanized shortly after arrival.
Mel’s Farm is a local animal rescue and sanctuary that relies on donations to pay veterinary costs, and many other items. “We can’t afford this bill,” Young said. “These days we can’t afford any bill from any vet clinic.”
Smiths Falls animal control is governed by Bylaw No. 8856-2016, which gives the town responsibility for stray, lost, or injured domestic animals and authorizes arranging medical care. The bylaw does not address what happens when a third party intervenes before bylaw officers arrive, nor does it mention reimbursement for rescues.
Chief Chesebrough responded to Hometown News on Thursday.
“The Town of Smiths Falls is committed to ensuring the welfare of animals in our community and strictly adheres to all established policies and procedures related to bylaw inquiries and enforcement,” he said.
He stated the town was not the initial point of contact and did not have care or control of the animal. “As such, the town cannot assume responsibility for animals that are dropped off directly to emergency care facilities outside of the municipal process.”
Because a rescue organization had already taken custody, Chesebrough said bylaw services were not required to be further involved.
Other rescue operators have expressed concern. “We hope the town steps up to cover the costs that should have been their responsibility, rather than placing the burden on a charity that simply did what was morally and ethically right,” said Donna McRae, founder of Furry Tales.
Young said she sent the fire chief the bill for the animal care, but has not yet received a response as to whether it will be paid.
