Two animals die, several others become suddenly ill after suspected poisoning at sanctuary

A recent incident at the 'Speaking of Wildlife' sanctuary in Severn Township has left two skunks dead and several other animals ill.

The sanctuary, which cares for non-releasable animals, is now dealing with the aftermath of what is suspected to be accidental poisoning.

Krystal Hewitt, the sanctuary's owner, revealed that the poisoning likely stemmed from some cat food. "We suspect a donated bag of food may have caused the poisoning."

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While the poisoning is not believed to be intentional, it has had serious consequences.

The affected animals, which include ravens, a raccoon, a coyote, and a grey fox, are being monitored.

"Currently, all seven are asymptomatic, so holding steady and not showing any symptoms of poisoning," Hewitt explained. "They will continue a vitamin K therapy to ensure their blood stays thick and where it's supposed to for the next few weeks."

Veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford examined the second skunk that died last week and confirmed the severity of the situation.

"They showed classic signs of a bleeding disorder, which typically, when it happens so quickly and so acutely, is usually due to a toxin like a rat poison or mouse poison type of poison," he said.

Still, Redford is optimistic about the remaining animals' chances.

"I think the rest is behind them," he added.

The community has responded with an outpouring of support following the news, with donations flooding in to help the sanctuary.

In response to the incident, the sanctuary has made adjustments to its operations.

"We have currently closed our centre to private tours and visitors on-site. We do offer an off-site program, and our team is doing its best to maintain that, but we have a limited crew and very exhausted staff, so kind of taking it one day at a time," Hewitt said.

The sanctuary's staff will continue to closely monitor the poisoned animals over the next 21 days. If they can make it through this critical period, a full recovery is expected.

The food suspected to have caused the poisoning has since been destroyed.