Toronto's only full-time animal cruelty investigator was grounded by paperwork for the eighth day yesterday as outraged pet lovers called for his return to fighting abuse.

Tre Smith was spending time with recovering Rottweiler Cyrus at the Toronto Humane Society on River St.

Smith and two part-time investigators handle about 15 calls daily dealing with animals in trouble. His being out of action for more than a week has left a backlog of cases to deal with, officials say.

Smith rescued Cyrus from a steaming car last month and handcuffed his owner, Paul Soderholm of Mississauga, to the vehicle. Soderholm was then assaulted by onlookers. The incident led to Smith having his investigator's licence suspended.

'A GOOD SIGN'

There are concerns that Cyrus may have suffered brain damage from the heat, Smith said.

"Cyrus is now coming along well," he said yesterday. "He can recognize people, and that's a good sign."

It took two vets and their assistants hours to save Cyrus at an estimated cost of $10,000, Smith said.

"This was an unfortunate thing to happen to Cyrus," he said. "But it woke people up and now they know this can happen."

'PROMOTED'

Dog lover Chris, 35, of Toronto, said Smith did the right thing in saving Cyrus' life.

"This man should be congratulated and promoted in his job," Chris said. "Enough is enough. He should be reinstated to his job."

Humane society spokesman Lee Oliver said the attention the rescue has generated led to a surge in phone calls and interest in the agency.

"There has been a number of people who've shown interest in being cruelty investigators," Oliver said.

A decision on Smith's fate is expected next week.