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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, January 18, 2012 · 10 Humane society re-opens Saturday after ringworm outbreak The Oakville and Milton Humane Society is re-opening the doors to its shelter this Saturday after a four-month quarantine. The 445 Cornwall Rd. shelter closed to the public on Sept. 16, 2011 after an outbreak of ringworm, a fungal infection that affected the shelter's cat population -- a total of 18 cases were successfully treated. "Although only our cats were affected, due to the age and layout of the shelter, it was impossible to contain the fungus spores," Brenda Dushko, spokesperson for the Oakville and Milton Humane Society, said in a news release. "Unfortunately, the ringworm infection is very contagious and is one of the few diseases that can pass between humans and animals, so we had to close the shelter to the public as a precaution." The total cost to clear the shelter of the infection has yet to be finalized, however, the press release states it is believed the tab is about $100,000. Ian Waid, chair of the board of the Humane Society, said in the release, the shelter had to close or the alternative would have been to "euthanize all of the animals, clean and disinfect the shelter, then re-open. "This was never an option for us. We know that every animal here deserves a forever home and while it hasn't been an easy time, it has been worth it." To help find all the cats and dogs new homes, the adopt-a-thons for both animals will continue until Feb. 19, with all spayed and neutered cats and kittens available for a reduced fee of $25 -- unspayed or unneutered felines are $75. Spayed or neutered dogs will be available for adoption at a reduced fee of $100 (regular cost is $250, which included a $50 training rebate). As a registered charity, the Oakville and Milton Humane Society receives no funding from the government or any other animal welfare organization. Donations are still needed to help in the care and shelter of homeless animals, investigate and where necessary prosecute animal abuse, cruelty and neglect, find loving forever homes for adoptable animals, provide humane education, pet therapy and pet visitation and act as a resource to the community in areas of animal welfare. going home: Kittens like these will soon be available for viewing and adoption at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society, which closed last fall after a ringworm outbreak, but will re-open Saturday. Submitted photo THIS WINTER LEAVE THE COLD WARM UP TO A THE OUTSIDE AND EXPERIENCE MODERN FIREPLACE WARMTH OF A MODERN FIREPLACE. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" www.cobblestonembers.ca ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE 905-337-2066