Thursday, March 11, 2010

Winter 2009 issue of Animaltalk now available!

Press Releases

2010

Toronto Humane Society Pleased to Announce Appointment of Executive Director
Toronto – February 12th

The Toronto Humane Society is pleased to announce that Garth Jerome has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Toronto Humane Society.

Mr. Jerome joined the Society early in 2008 as a microbiologist.

In addition to his medical and animal-related experience, over the past several weeks Garth has led the shelter operations through a very challenging period.

2009

Animal Care Review Board Decision
Toronto – December 4th

Toronto, ON – Yesterday Ontario’s Animal Care Review Board ruled against the three of the four animal care orders issued by the Ontario Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) in its June 2009 search of the Toronto Humane Society’s River Street location.

The Board ruled that Care Compliance Orders involving three cats under the care of the Society’s veterinarians were “not based on reasonable grounds.”

In its decision the Board stated, “Because of the nature of the THS facility, which takes in animals that are abandoned, abused, or surrendered by people who are unable or unwilling to provide veterinary care, a significant proportion of the animals, at the time of their admittance, are sick and in pain and suffering and, therefore are in distress, as defined in the Act”. This is a welcome acknowledgment of the difficult job that the THS is asked to perform.

In its decision, the Board noted that on June 2nd there were over 1000 animals in the Toronto Humane Society and Hospital. The evidence at the hearing showed that one sick cat “slipped through the cracks”. Happily, the cat in question is healthy and has been adopted to a loving home.

“As an organization, we are constantly re-evaluating our performance, and we are listening to our members and supporters,” said Hambley. “We are also listening carefully to the Board. We know there may be areas in which we can be better. The public has my assurance as the new President that I’m working on that every day.”

Toronto Humane Society Strongly Opposes the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Rodeon
Toronto – November 5th

Regretfully, the organizers of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which is set to open today, have again scheduled a rodeo competition to be part of the Fair.

“It is unethical and inhumane to treat animals in this manner for entertainment.” said Senior Communicator Ian McConachie of the Toronto Humane Society.

Events will include, bull and bronco riding as well other events which will put the animals health and safety at risk simply to amuse the crowds.

It is wrong that the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Ontario Toyota Dealers Association would promote and sponsor this event. We call on them both to end this attraction, which is exploitive and sends the wrong message as to the appropriate care and respect for animals.

The Toronto Humane Society has long opposed these types of events. There are many positive and entertaining parts to the Winter Fair that we encourage the public to enjoy instead of the rodeo.

Ontario Heartworm Urgent Call to Action
Toronto – November 4th

The Toronto Humane Society supports the urgent call to action to combat the heartworm crisis in Ontario made yesterday by the Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

Our own veterinarians tell us that heartworm can be painful, treatment can be risky and extensive, and the epidemic likely to haunt pet owners by infecting dogs and wildlife for decades to come.

The Toronto Humane Society has been striving, along with the veterinary profession and the media, to raise awareness and end the importation of dogs to Ontario from areas where heartworm is endemic.

The Toronto Humane Society calls upon the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, to direct the Chief Veterinarian of Ontario, Dr. Deb Stark, to launch a public inquiry into the cause of the heartworm epidemic and make recommendations as to the best course of action to take to protect Ontario’s pets and wildlife.

It appears that the former Chair of the Ontario SPCA, and its newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, was aware of the concerns raised by veterinarians as early as April of this year .The HAVM brought the situation to his attention while in his role as President and CEO of the Hamilton SPCA. The HAVM was extremely concerned as it had seen a 10 fold increase in cases of heartworm in the Hamilton area, many of which were traced back to dogs imported by the Hamilton SPCA from the Southern United States.

It would be inexcusable if Ontario SPCA affiliates were to be implicated in this crisis. The Ontario SPCA has a duty to protect Ontario's pets and wildlife. We ask the Ontario SPCA to join with us in our call for a public inquiry.

Fall adoption blitz
Toronto – Friday, October 30th to Sunday November 1st ,

The Toronto Humane Society will be having a Fall Adoption Blitz over the last weekend in October. The summer months have, as usual, been a very busy time for animals coming to the shelter and currently we have over 1000 animals in our care. Our shelter has the greatest selection of animals available in the GTA and across Ontario.

“We have seen a great success over the summer with our adoption blitzes and hope to have one last great weekend to find as many animals as possible new forever homes.“ says Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator. “The shelter is has literally hundreds of beautiful animals awaiting adoption.”

We continue to have many kittens available for adoption. Many of these kittens were raised, often from birth or shortly after, in our kitten nursery and they are healthy and strong and need loving homes.

The Toronto Humane Society does not charge adoption fees for the animals. Instead, donations are requested and greatly appreciated. The Society is open for adoption from 12pm. – 7 pm everyday including weekends.

To view the many animals looking for new homes, please visit www.torontohumanesociety.com or come to the shelter at 11 River St. or our satellite adoption centre at 2802 Victoria Park Ave.

The Toronto Humane Society is a not-for-profit organization solely funded through charitable donations. Its mission is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering.

Ontario SPCA Misleads the Public on ACRB Hearing
Toronto – September 24, 2009
Today, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals again delayed the Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) hearings on the independence of humane societies and SPCAs in Ontario.

The Ontario SPCA issued a press release on September 23rd where they state:

The Ontario SPCA and the Toronto Humane Society attended an Animal Care Review Board of Ontario (ACRB) hearing yesterday and due to the change in legal representation at the Ontario SPCA and scheduling conflicts with both parties, the hearing has been rescheduled to October 26 – 30, 2009

The Toronto Humane Society has no scheduling conflict which would preclude us from going forward in this matter. In fact, the Toronto Humane Society has been trying to get an ACRB hearing all summer, but has been opposed by the OSPCA. It was confirmed on September 18th by a Superior Court Justice that this hearing should proceed on September 22nd despite OSPCA objections.

“This is another example of the OSPCA misleading the public. The delay in the hearing was solely based on the OSPCA retaining new council the eve of the hearing for the purpose of stopping this hearing from going forward.” Said Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator at the Toronto Humane Society.

Superior Court Order Stymied by Ontario SPCA Delay
Toronto – September 22, 2009
Today, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals again delayed the Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) hearings on the independence of humane societies and SPCAs in Ontario.

On September 18th, the Superior Court ordered the Ontario SPCA to go to Ontario’s Animal Care Review Board right away. Instead the Ontario SPCA hired a new lawyer on the eve of the hearing and got another deferment.

The Ontario SPCA seems reluctant to allow an independent third party to review their actions. We believe a third party review would find that they overstepped their authority.

“The Ontario SPCA has used every delaying tactic available to them to stop this hearing.” said Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator at the Toronto Humane Society. “They are afraid to face the consequences of their orders.”

The Ontario SPCA has effectively instructed veterinarians employed by the Toronto Humane Society how to practice veterinary medicine. The Ontario SPCA had no business purporting to take the role of the Ontario Veterinary College and tell our veterinarians how to do their jobs.

The Toronto Humane Society has been seeking a hearing at the Animal Care Review Board and has been blocked by the Ontario SPCA since June 8th.

The ACRB hearing has been rescheduled for October 26th.

Superior Court Rules that the OSPCA Can Not Stop Review by the Animal Care Review Board
Toronto – September 18, 2009
Today, Mr. Justice Gray has cleared the way for Ontario’s Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) to decide on whether the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) has the power to tell the Toronto Humane Society and its other affiliate societies, specifically their veterinarians, how to care for animals.

On June 2nd, 2009 the OSPCA effectively instructed veterinarians employed by the Toronto Humane Society how to practice veterinary medicine. The Toronto Humane Society appealed this interference to the Province’s ACRB on June 8th, 2009. The OSPCA has been blocking a hearing and independent review by the ACRB ever since.

The ACRB hearing will take place on September 22nd, 2009.

“We are very pleased with the court’s decision. We have fought hard to have an impartial review of the actions taken by the OSPCA.” said Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator at the Toronto Humane Society. “The Toronto Humane Society is an independent organization and can not allow the OSPCA to continue to interfere and damage our reputation of 122 years of excellent animal care.”

This issue is one of maintaining the diversity of what has been built up over generations. During the summer of 2008, contrary to the wishes of the OSPCA, The Toronto Humane Society, and its President, Tim Trow, succeeded in ensuring that the new Ontario Provincial Animal Welfare Act, 2008 did not stifle the uniqueness of each humane society across Ontario in the care of animals. At that time, Trow wrote the Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services: “Historically in Ontario, the many voices of the Provinces animal welfare movement have been its strength.”

Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 End of Summer Adoption Blitz
Toronto – August 25, 2009
The Toronto Humane Society will be having an End of Summer Adoption Blitz over the last weekend in August (August 28 -31). August is our busiest intake month of the year and currently we have over 1000 animals in our care. Our shelter has the greatest selection of animals available in the GTA and across Ontario.

Furthermore, the shelter continues to have many kittens coming available daily. These kittens were raised, often from birth or shortly after, in our kitten nursery and they are healthy and strong and need loving homes.

The Toronto Humane Society does not charge adoption fees for the animals. Instead, donations are requested and greatly appreciated. The Society is open for adoption from 12pm. – 7 pm everyday including weekends.

To view the many animals looking for new homes, please visit www.torontohumanesociety.com or come to the shelter at 11 River St. or our satellite adoption centre at 2802 Victoria Park Ave.

Wiggles Very Happy in New Home
Toronto – July 23, 2009
Yesterday, Toronto Humane Society Senior Agent Tre Smith, transported Wiggles to the Painted Rock Animal Farm & Sanctuary in Tottenham, (http://www.paintedrockrescuefarm.com) run by Barry & Laura Cameron

Wiggles was delighted to be placed in such an ideal environment. “Wiggles is very happy in her new home.” Said Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator. “She enjoyed the fresh country air as well as being around the other pigs and farm animals.”

Wiggles, the little piglet found injured on the side of the 401 in late May after falling from a
transport truck, has been moved to her new forever home. Wiggles had surgery to repair her leg and spent about two months recovering at the Toronto Humane Society.

The Painted Rock Animal Sanctuary has rescued over 100 animals from across Ontario including other pigs for Wiggles to play with. The Toronto Humane Society has taken animals to the Sanctuary before and we are pleased to be able to have found such a perfect fit for Wiggles.

*Please note video clips of Wiggles at the farm are available for media upon request

Wiggles Moving to New Forever Home
Toronto – July 21, 2009
Wiggles, the little piglet found injured on the side of the 401 in late May after falling from a transport truck, will be moving to her new forever home.

Wiggles will be relocated to the Painted Rock Animal Farm & Sanctuary in Tottenham, (http://www.paintedrockrescuefarm.com/) run by animal lovers Barry & Laura Cameron.

June 03, 2009 - The Toronto Humane Society Completely Vindicated
Toronto – June 03, 2009
TORONTO, June 3 /CNW/ - In a surprise inspection yesterday, the Ontario SPCA, along with its veterinarian, examined each of the 1,100 animals at the Toronto Humane Society's 11 River St. shelter and found not a single animal suffering and needing to be euthanized. This inspection proved the allegations made in the Globe & Mail to be false and without merit. After an exhaustive 5 hour search the Ontario SPCA found the clinic and shelter to be spotlessly clean and orderly...

May 22, 2009 - Toronto City Pounds Killed Over 5500 Animals in 2008
Toronto – May 22, 2009
TORONTO, May 22 /CNW/ - Last year Toronto Animal Services killed 5542 dog and cats. This is an average of 15 animals killed every day in 2008 and brings the total of animals killed from 2002 - 2008 to 30,545...

May 14, 2009 - On May 15th-18th Spring Adoption Blitz at the Toronto Humane Society
Toronto – May 14, 2009
Over the long weekend of May 15th - 18th the Toronto Humane Society will be holding our Spring Adoption Blitz. The 11 River St. shelter has many pets ready for adoption and potential pet adopters will have the opportunity to view our unprecedented selection of amazing, adorable, adoptable animals...

April 1, 2009 - Over Twenty-Five Thousand Dogs and Cats Killed in Toronto Pounds: In 2007 this means every second one admitted
Toronto – April 1, 2009
Figures obtained under freedom of information legislation show that 25,003 dogs and cats were killed between 2002 and 2007. "These statistics are appalling and heartbreaking." said Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator at the Toronto Humane Society. The combined euthanasia rate in 2007 was 55%....

March 27, 2009 - Toronto Humane Society Wildlife Advice for the Public
Toronto – March 27, 2009
As Spring arrives and turns into the warmer months of Summer, it is important to remember how to properly address issues with wildlife that you may encounter.

Animals do best in their natural habitat. We encourage all members of the public to not interfere with them...

2008

Tues. Aug 19 - On August 22nd - 24th Toronto Humane Society is pulling out all the stops with an Emergency Adoption Blitz
Toronto – Aug 19, 2008
“On the weekend of August 22 - 24 the Toronto Humane Society will be holding our summer Adoption Blitz. The 11 River St. shelter is overflowing and potential pet adopters will have the opportunity to view our unprecedented selection of amazing, adorable, adoptable animals. These are animals in desperate need of stable, loving homes, including 600 cats and 100 dogs, as well as many small domestic animals such as rabbits, and tropical birds are waiting to be adopted. "The shelter is full to capacity. There are literally hundreds of animals to choose from," says Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator. "We are pulling out all the stops as there has not been a time in the history of the Toronto Humane Society where we have had as many pets as we do now available for adoption," said society President Tim Trow. Furthermore, the kittens born in early summer are ready to find loving homes of their own. The Society encourages any members of the public who have been considering animal adoption to visit the shelter to view the many animals in its care. The Toronto Humane Society does not charge adoption fees for the animals. Instead, donations are requested and greatly appreciated. The Society's adoption program is open from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. everyday including weekends. To view the many beautiful, healthy animals looking for new homes, please visit www.torontohumanesociety.com or come to the shelters at 11 River St. or 2802 Victoria Park Ave. The Toronto Humane Society is a not-for-profit organization solely funded through charitable donations. Its mission is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering. ”

Thur. June 19 - Canadian premiere screening of "BLINDERS"- The truth behind the tradition
Toronto – June 19, 2008
“The Toronto Humane Society announces that it is celebrating the Canadian premiere of “Blinders” with a reception and screening of the movie trailer. Click above too read the press release”

2007

This Friday, experience MIDNIGHT MADNESS at the Toronto Humane Society!
Toronto – May 02, 2007
On May 4 the THS is keeping the doors open until midnight to give potential pet adopters lots of time to check out our unprecedented selection of amazing, adorable, adoptable animals.

THS Warns of Puppy Scam
Toronto – April 02, 2007
The Toronto Humane Society is warning the public that an advertisement which appeared in a local free daily newspaper offering a female Yorkshire Terrier for sale appears to be a scam.

Superior Court Strikes Down Key Elements of Flawed Pitbull Ban
Toronto – March 23, 2007
Despite headlines proclaiming that Ontario's pitbull ban has been upheld by the Superior Court, the Toronto Humane Society is thrilled that two key aspects of the law have been struck down.

Caledon man faces animal cruelty charges
Toronto – February 28, 2007
A Caledon man faces animal cruelty charges after being caught on a remote news camera while drowning a raccoon in Lake Ontario.

2006

Christmas in a Shelter is No Place to Be
Toronto – December 15, 2006
Toronto (December 15, 2006) – The Toronto Humane Society is holding an Adopt-a-thon which will take place over the holiday period, between December 15 '06 and January 04 '07.

Full House at The Toronto Humane Society
Toronto – November 21, 2006
The Toronto Humane Society is full of animals in need of stable, loving homes. “Quite literally, we have hundreds of animals waiting to be adopted. The shelter is full to capacity,” says Courtney Barnfield, Communications Officer.

Avoid tricks and don’t treat!
Toronto – October 30, 2006
For people, Halloween connotes traditions of costumes, candy, pumpkins and scary stories. Halloween has a decidedly different meaning to pets who often become stressed, frightened, injured, and sometimes lost during the festivities.

Autumn Adoption Affair – The Adoption Event of the Season!
Toronto – October 27, 2006
This adoption promotion is part of an ongoing effort to help the hundreds of animals in the Society's care find loving, stable homes. “We are desperate,” says Society President, Tim Trow. “We are full to bursting yet the animals keep coming and we have a responsibility not to turn them away in their time of need.”

Board fails to protect puppies from being hurt again
Toronto – October 25, 2006
The Toronto Humane Society is shocked and saddened following the Animal Care Review Board’s decision of October 19, 2006 to require the Society to return two Dalmatian puppies to a man our investigating agent recently charged with cruelty.

Open Your Heart Adopt-a-thon a Huge Success
Toronto – August 23, 2006
The Toronto Humane Society was successful in finding loving, forever homes for many of the pets in its care during the Open Your Heart adopt-a-thon. In total, 230 cats, 26 dogs, and 46 small domestic animals were adopted.

Rescue of Abandoned Animals Adds to Desperate Times at The Toronto Humane Society
Toronto - August 17, 2006
The Toronto Humane Society is desperate to find loving, forever homes for the hundreds of pets in its care after recently rescuing 133 animals from an abandoned pet store.

The Toronto Humane Society Reunites Hamilton Kitty with Her Family
Toronto - July 29, 2006
This morning, The Toronto Humane Society was thrilled to reunite “Rambling Rose” with her family. The nine-month-old cat, named Tilly, managed to travel undetected from Hamilton to Toronto in the wheel well of a delivery truck on Wednesday, July 26.

Cat Makes Harrowing Journey from Hamilton to Toronto
Toronto – July 28, 2006
The Toronto Humane Society is hoping the public can help find the guardians of a beautiful little cat – nicknamed Rambling Rose – that traveled from Hamilton to Toronto while wedged in a delivery truck’s wheel well.

Toronto Humane Society Worried About Cockatoo’s Care
Toronto – May 24, 2006
Judge Elizabeth Stewart announced her verdict today in Ontario Superior Court. The Toronto Humane Society has been ordered to return Chrissy, the Cockatoo, to her previous owner, Elaine Menna.

This Easter Say YES to Chocolate but NO to Flowers
Toronto – April 13, 2006
Every Easter, well-meaning people adopt rabbits in a misguided attempt to enhance the holiday festivities. Few people research rabbits long enough to discover children and rabbits are not always a good match.

March is Adopt a Senior Pet Month at The Toronto Humane Society
Toronto – February 28, 2006
March is Adopt a Senior Pet Month at The Toronto Humane Society. Approximately 15 per cent of dogs and 40 per cent of cats admitted to the THS are senior pets.

2005

Cat Sky House Adoption Blitz
Toronto – November 3, 2005
Once again, The Toronto Humane Society shelter is bursting at the seams with cats and kittens. “In August, the community opened its heart as never before by adopting 308 cats over the long weekend,” said Society President, Tim Trow.

Halloween is Not a Trick or Treat for Pets
Toronto – October 24, 2005
Halloween is a time for mystery and make-believe. On October 31 many of us will open our homes to the fun and festivities of All Hallows Eve. Unlike their human guardians; pets do not revel in the celebration.

Pit Bull Breed Banning
Pit bulls that are bred responsibly, trained and provided with loving environments make wonderful pets...

GIVE THANKS FOR THE JOY A PET BRINGS THIS THANKSGIVING
Toronto – October 6, 2005
Every pet guardian knows the joy an animal brings to his or her life. The Toronto Humane Society urges anyone thinking of adopting a pet to bring a best friend home this Thanksgiving.

Duck Update
Toronto – October 5, 2005
When 558 ducklings were rescued by The Toronto Humane Society from an accident at Pearson International Airport, the shelter was quacking with excitement.

TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY PROCLAIMS OCTOBER ADOPT–A–DOG MONTH
Toronto – October 1, 2005
October is Adopt-a-Dog Month at The Toronto Humane Society and the shelter is full of great dogs looking for new homes.

THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY WAIVES ADOPTION FEES
Toronto – September 14, 2005
Another huge influx of cats, kittens and dogs has prompted The Toronto Humane Society to waive its adoption fees for the third time this year. In one day alone, 58 cats were brought to the Society as strays or surrendered by owners.

Thank you for our new X-ray machine
Toronto – September 12, 2005
Thanks to our donors and members generous contributions, The Toronto Humane Society has been able to purchase a new x-ray machine for our veterinary staff.

THS heads to New Orleans
Toronto – September 9, 2005
Tom Borscevski and Will Robinson, Toronto Humane Society Canine Coordinators, have left for New Orleans. They take with them 2000 lbs of supplies including; food, medication and dog crates packed in a Toronto Humane Society van.

Adoption fees waived for dogs
Toronto – September 8, 2005
In a continuing effort to encourage the public to adopt a new best friend, The Toronto Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for dogs. Adoption fees are waived from Friday, September 8 through to closing on Sunday, September 11.

The Toronto Humane Society at the Rogers Cup
Toronto – August 2005
The Toronto Humane Society spent a week with the tennis pros after being invited to attend this year's Roger's Cup, held at the Rexall Centre at York University.

FINAL SUMMER ADOPTION BLITZ
Toronto – August 25, 2005
In a continuing effort to encourage the public to adopt a new best friend, The Toronto Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for cats, dogs and small domestic animals, excluding rabbits, during its final adoption event of the summer. Adoption fees are waived from Friday, August 26 through to closing on Sunday, August 28.

FEES WAIVED TILL THEY’RE GONE
Toronto – August 11, 2005
In an ongoing effort to encourage the public to adopt, The Toronto Humane Society continues to waive adoption fees for cats, kittens, dogs, and other small domestic animals. Rabbits excepted. Fees will be waived until Sunday, August 14.

Cat Adoption Blitz a Record-breaking Success
Toronto – August 1, 2005
The Toronto Humane Society, a world-wide leader in animal rescue and placement, has successfully completed an adoption marathon in which 304 cats and kittens were matched with loving homes.

“FREE TO A GOOD HOME”—DESPERATE CAT CRISIS AT THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY
Toronto – July 28, 2005
The sudden need to shelter 37 additional cats and kittens that could no longer be cared for by an elderly couple has pushed the numbers of felines at The Toronto Humane Society shelter to over 500.

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