City Finally Picks Up Dead Raccoons After 10-Day Delay

UPDATE: The City of Toronto has confirmed that two dead raccoons were finally collected after a delay of nearly 10 days. Residents reported the issue to 311 starting on September 13, highlighting a concerning backlog in animal cadaver removal services.

Residents expressed frustration over the slow response to calls about dead raccoons, which pose health risks and create unpleasant conditions on streets. Mark Winfield, who reported a raccoon on his lawn on Edith Drive, followed city protocol by placing the animal in a securely packaged box. Despite his efforts, he noted that after multiple calls to 311 and the local city councillor, he was informed there was a significant backlog, with waits potentially exceeding 10 days.

In an alarming report, Jennifer Hollett, executive director of The Walrus, brought attention to another dead raccoon on Richmond Street E. near Berkeley Street. Hollett observed that the animal had deteriorated into a “soup” of decay, complete with an infestation of maggots. She reported that her attempts to notify the city through 311 were met with inaction, as her initial report was cancelled with no follow-up work noted.

The delay in response has raised concerns among residents, who worry about potential health hazards from decaying animals on the streets. Winfield emphasized that the raccoon carcass posed a significant risk to both public health and nearby pets.

In response to the public outcry, the City of Toronto issued a statement acknowledging the delays. Officials stated, “The city prioritizes animal cadaver pickup as best it can with the staff resources available. In most cases, pickup is completed within 48 hours. However, high volumes of service requests can sometimes cause delays.” They assured residents that a request for the removal of the raccoons had been submitted, with pickups expected to occur within the next 24 hours.

Despite the official response, the situation underscores a critical issue in public health management and city service efficiency. On Saturday, both raccoons were finally collected, providing some relief to the frustrated community.

Residents are now calling for improved communication from the city regarding service requests, as well as more efficient handling of urgent matters like dead animal removal. The city has pledged to enhance its systems and provide better updates to residents in the future.

As the community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of timely public services in maintaining health and safety in urban environments.