We rescued Stanley from Hamilton Animal Control. He was found as a stray. Shockingly, someone had stapled Stanley’s face and ears. It is beyond our comprehension how anyone could do something as horrific as this to an innocent animal. It is truly disturbing. The Animal Control officer took Stanley to the vet where the staples were removed. Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be too much damage and Stanley was acting fairly normally for a critter who had been through such trauma. Stanley was then sent to HAC. We picked Stanley up from the shelter and he had an appointment at Spencer Creek Animal Hospital with small animal specialist vet Dr. Stubbs the next morning. She was happy to report that Stanley seems somewhat unscathed from his ordeal, other than the obvious hole in his ear. Stanley was prescribed an antibiotic to be on the safe side.

Stanley is eating, exploring his cage and running in his wheel, so we’re very hopeful that he will recover quickly and be ready to find his forever home once his medication is done.

Update May 16th, 2016

Stanley’s foster home knew they couldn’t let this sweet guy go, so Stanley has officially been adopted! We couldn’t be happier since this particular forever home is like a paradise for hamsters! Congrats Stanley!

Here’s a note from Stanley’s foster/adopter:

“Stanley is doing really well. He has nicely settled into his new cage and enjoys all the enrichments available to him. He loves his little house and has built quite an accomplished nest. He’s picked his pee corner and is drinking, eating and pooping really well. He uses his cheek pouch with no issues so far and his teeth look good. He absolutely loves the hulled pumpkin seeds that I give for treats. He’s very social and although I haven’t tried to pick him up yet (don’t want to cause him any more undue stress) he allowed me to pet him while on his shelf. He doesn’t seem any more skittish than any other critter I’ve had…so I don’t think any long term trauma has occurred. The marks on his nose and chin I think are injury from rubbing against something…like from chewing on bars a lot. He is keeping regular hamster hours and takes his antibiotic like a champ. He is very curious and sticks his little nose out of his nest when I’m talking to them in the evening. His big wheel is definitely a favourite for Stanley…I think he’s put a few miles on there already! In his pictures I hid some treats on his little colourful puzzle palace so he’s sniffing out the pumpkin seeds on a little treasure hunt. Another he is enjoying his wheel and I swear he is looking very excited and smiling in this picture. This one made me smile I must say. I think he is quite young and will have a bit of growing to do. I’m glad he doesn’t seem too stressed considering what he’s gone through. Even positive changes can be very hard on them. Seems like he’s taking everything in stride. They are such stoic little creatures. Thank you so much for giving him a chance…it might seem like a little thing….but it’s everything for him <3
Cheers
Kelly and Stanley!”

The act of cruelty towards Stanley should not go unpunished. If you know anything about this incident, or any other animal cruelty situation in the Hamilton area, please contact:
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Protection Team – (905) 574-7722 ext. 401 or email info@hbspca.com
or
Hamilton Animal Control – (905) 574-3433
or
Ontario SPCA – 310-SPCA (7722) or 1-888-668-7722 ext. 327, or email cruelty@ospca.on.ca
or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

We are their voice. We cannot be silent.