The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has executed a search warrant at the Toronto Humane Society and made five arrests on Thursday afternoon.

Five people at the THS at 11 River Street have been arrested after 3 p.m. in relation to animal cruelty, including president Tim Trow, officials say.

The OSPCA says Trow is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals, two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and three counts of obstruction of a peace officer.

Others arrests include the head vetinerarian Dr. Steve Sheridan and three senior staff members – general manager Gary McCracken, Andy Bechtel, Romeo Bernadino.

All face charges of cruelty to animals, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence among others.

The THS says that the animals are being well looked after during the search and will continue to be taken care of.

The charges stem from an investigation that was launched in early 2009 in response to allegations of animal cruelty. The search warrant was also executed at a private residence.

The OSPCA says they found four cats in the June 2nd inspection that were in distress and suffering from dehydration.

Officials say there’s extensive evidence that the animals were not being fed and watered at appropriate times.

"We realize that the THS is capable of providing an important public service, but it could not fulfill its responsibilities until this action was taken, says OSPCA CEO Kate MacDonald.