Minister Smith of the MNRF: Free Mally's Raccoons!

On Sept. 26th, 2023, according to staff and volunteers, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) launched a massive military-style raid on the non-profit organization, Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Traumatized staff and volunteers reported some 40 to 50 conservation officers and personnel, aerial support, drones, and a canine unit ambushed their centre. They indicated the MNRF inhumanely seized nearly 100 raccoons, many healthy, vaccinated and ready for release. How can Minister Smith allow such extreme use of force? Why were the raccoons seized? We demand the release of these raccoons into the capable hands of an authorized Wildlife Custodian.

On Sept. 26th, 2023, according to staff and volunteers, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) launched a massive military-style raid on the non-profit organization, Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Traumatized staff and volunteers reported some 40 to 50 conservation officers and personnel, aerial support, drones, and a canine unit ambushed their centre. They indicated the MNRF inhumanely seized nearly 100 raccoons, many healthy, vaccinated and ready for release. How can Minister Smith allow such extreme use of force? Why were the raccoons seized? We demand the release of these raccoons into the capable hands of an authorized Wildlife Custodian.

image of Minister Smith of the MNRF: Free Mally's Raccoons!

Send Minister Smith an Email Demanding the Release of Mally's Raccoons to an Authorized Wildlife Custodian!

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Subject:

In Ontario, thousands of compassionate citizens bring wildlife to authorized non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centres. These centres provide experienced, specialized care. They work with veterinarians and vet techs to provide medical aid so the animals can hopefully recover and return to the wild. Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, near Peterborough, provides such care and is the only licensed facility in Ontario exclusive to raccoons.

THE ISSUE
According to those present when the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) raided Mally’s on September 26th, 2023, they described it as a military-style raid. Traumatized witnesses reported the presence of 40-50 MNRF conservation officers and personnel, aerial support, drones and a canine unit. Those present said the Ministry seized nearly 100 raccoons who were receiving medical care and rehabilitation and crammed them into small cages, loaded vertically onto open truck beds and took them away. Did MNRF Minister Graydon Smith approve the raid and if so, did he allow his staff to commit such actions that would compromise the well-being of the raccoons and basic civility toward Mally’s staff? This is not the first time such unjustified actions have occurred. In 2002, the Ministry conducted a similar raid at the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre (OCWC), seizing their raccoons. This raises grave public concerns that Mally’s raccoons may be destined for research similar to the fate of the OCWC raccoons. Such authoritarian action harms wildlife, rehabilitators and compassionate citizens who donate to their care.

QUESTIONS
We want answers to our questions now! We believe those at Mally’s deserve answers. Why were the raccoons seized? Where are they now? What is the status of Mally’s authorization?  How much money did the Ministry spend on this raid? Why did Ministry staff conduct such a raid, if, as reported, there had been no site inspections for 18 months? Did the Minister approve such an extreme display of force? Why has there been no transparency regarding the well-being of the animals or proof of life? We want the MNRF to release the seized raccoons into the capable hands of an authorized wildlife custodian at the full cost of the Ministry. The Ministry should also pay the rehabilitation centre the cost of housing and care for these animals.

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