Our EAPS department laid charges against two Ottawa women late last month in a disturbing hoarding case that saw 33 cats removed from a one-bedroom apartment.

One of 33 cats removed from an Ottawa home, now doing well in our shelter .

On Nov. 26, OHS inspectors charged a mother and daughter for permitting distress to and not meeting the standards of care for animals in their possession. Multiple cats were found in immediate need of veterinary care, living in an apartment with feces covering walls, furniture and ground into the carpet. To read more about this case, click here.

Since the provincial cruelty legislation came into effect in March, the OHS has laid 27 charges against animal abusers. More than 130 charges have been laid province-wide.

The Ontario SPCA has requested our assistance in the ongoing investigation at the Toronto Humane Society (THS). We are sending one of our agents to Toronto this weekend, where she is expected to work 12-hour shifts, possibly up until Christmas.

Since the news about the THS broke last week, we've received a few calls and e-mails from supporters concerned about a possible association. We wish to assure the community that the OHS is not affiliated with the THS in any way. To read our official statement, click here.

How can the spare change that we all have lying around the house, and in cars, help Ottawa's animals? A gift of $5 can have an impact on our work. Simply put, your change can change the lives of the animals in our care!

A $5 gift can pay for a box of stretch bandages, or a tube of surgical glue. Gifts of $5 from 17 people can help pay for the developing chemicals needed to process film on our X-ray machine.

Giving your change is easy. Click on the donation button at the top or bottom of the page to donate online. Then go and collect the change from your couch or car and use that money for coffee or incidentals this week.

Or, put that change to use by purchasing a chance to win our Warm Hearts Raffle. Tickets are just $5, and there are great prizes available. Download an order form here.

The holidays are a fun and festive time for everyone – pets included! Here are a few easy tips to follow to ensure your animal friends stay safe this season.

The OHS is participating in the Iams Homes 4 the Holidays campaign throughout the month of December. To learn more about the program, click here.

Ernest is a sweet five-month-old kitten brought to the OHS with his siblings – all orphan strays. He unfortunately developed pneumonia not long after he arrived, but thanks to some tender loving care in our clinic and lots of respite in a foster home, he recovered and went on to be neutered and adopted into brand new home.

Find out how you can help animals like Ernest through the OHS Buddy & Belle Fund.

Come out and support the OHS as we sell 50/50 tickets at the Ottawa Senators' home game on Jan. 3. Support our animals by purchasing your tickets at capitaltickets.ca by using the pre-sale code PETS.

Make sure to stop by the Community Booth located by section 201 in Scotiabank Place to visit OHS volunteers who will be handing out goodies during the game!

We have a high number of animals in the shelter, and in an effort to find new homes for them as soon as possible, we're hosting a month-long promotion to boost adoptions. Throughout December, families who adopt an animal will go home with a holiday gift for their new friend!

Take a look at our wonderful dogs and cats in need of new homes this month!