Etobicoke Huamne Society - Events

EHS President Supports Efforts by Dean Maher to Ban Sale of Pets in Toronto Pet Stores

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:20:31 GMT

ETOBICOKE HUMANE SOCIETY PRESIDENT SUPPORTS MAHER’s PROPOSED BAN   (August 11, 2010 – Etobicoke). William Blain, President of the Etobicoke Humane Society, has issued the following statement in support of the proposed ban - outlined by Toronto Council candidate Dean Maher - against the sale and/or giving away of dogs and cats in Toronto pet shops and retail establishments.   Blain states: “The Etobicoke Humane Society wishes to publicly voice its strong support for the recent proposal by Toronto Council Candidate Dean Maher, to ban the sale and/or giving away of cats and dogs in Toronto-area pet shops and retail venues. And we applaud the fact that this proposal would allow Humane Societies and rescue groups to continue to operate adoption programs through retail venues”.   Blain continues: “Each year, hundreds of thousands of homeless animals are euthanized in shelters across North America. Much of this tragedy is the result of inadequate, irresponsible and often last-minute decision making by well-intentioned members of the public. Responsible pet-selection and pet care – with the intent of providing a forever home - requires thoughtful decision making, based on advanced research and planning. Such elements are too often missing in the retail purchase of pets, not to mention the use of retail properties by individuals giving animals away. Animals are sentient, feeling beings whose future lives are literally put at risk by such actions….actions which strengthens the concept of animals as property........a concept that the Etobicoke Humane Society, and many other Humane Societies and rescue groups have long fought to dispel.”   “The Etobicoke Humane Society is thankful to have the opportunity to operate a shelter that never euthanizes any animal due to lack of space, taking in only those animals for which we have shelter and/or foster space. However, we are painfully aware of the huge loss of animal lives due to animal overpopulation and homelessness.”   “Knowledgeable, responsible and caring decision making - regarding adding the right pet to one’s family - requires advance research into proper pet care and the needs and personalities of various types and breeds of animals, as well as honest reflection on an individual or family’s ability to provide the personal time and financial commitment to sharing their home with an additional living being.”   “There are hundreds of thousands of wonderful animals, of all ages and sizes, including pure-breds, waiting in shelters and foster homes for someone to come along and adopt them and give them a proper and loving forever home. In most of these situations, individuals are carefully screened before being allowed to adopt an animal, and a great deal of related education also takes place. However, if one has determined that they want only a specific breed of cat or dog, and has made sincere but unsuccessful effort to find them in a shelter or rescue group, there are well-respected, reliable and caring breeders out there, but one should devote time and effort to finding them.”   “We hope that candidate Maher’s proposed ban is successful, and that related discussions serve to highlight the need for further protection of animals and the importance of responsible pet selection and care by the public.”

Foster Parents Needed

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:42:55 GMT

If you would like to help our animals but you're not necessarily ready for the full leap into ownership you can help by signing up to be a foster parent.

Due to specific health needs, having been rescued from a traumatic or neglectful situation, or because they're not dealing well with shelter life some animals need more TLC than others.

Due to the recent multi-cat hoarding cruelty case we are in desperate need of foster homes for cats. Please call our office at (416) 249-6100 and leave a message on the cat adoption line if interested in fostering a cat, or the dog adoption line if interested in fostering a dog. Please also see our 'Adopt A Pet' to see bios for the cats that are currently in need of a foster home.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

EHS CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR NAMED OSPCA VOLUNTEER AGENT of the YEAR

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:02:32 GMT

Cruelty Investigator NAMED

OSPCA VOLUNTEER AGENT of the YEAR

(Nov. 5, 2009, Etobicoke). The ETOBICOKE Humane Society (EHS) is proud to announce that one of its Cruelty Agents - JERRY HIGGINS - has been awarded the Terry Looker Volunteer Agent of the Year Award by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).

EHS President William Blain, says: “We’re thrilled for Jerry. This is an amazing feat and well deserved. Jerry has always gone above and beyond and is a huge asset to EHS as is our whole cruelty team. The cruelty area is one that deals with the bad more than the good. Our agents put themselves in very risky situations at all hours of the day and night. They are a tremendous asset and are a shining example of why the Etobicoke Humane Society is what it is.”

OSPCA Chief Cruelty Inspector, Hugh Coghill states: “Agent Higgins has been a sterling example to all volunteer Agents with his dedication to the cause and willingness to commit long hours in very difficult circumstances, all to help animals”.

The Etobicoke Humane Society and Alliston & District Humane Society should both be very proud of Jerry – they are both very lucky to have him as a volunteer.”

Higgins, having been trained and licensed by the OSPCA, has been an OSPCA cruelty agent for more than 2 years ,and has been with the Etobicoke Humane Society since December 2008.

Higgins, reflecting on this award and his service as a Cruelty Agent, said: “I'm thrilled with receiving this award. Being an unpaid volunteer is hard work long hours and very rewarding. I do it for love of the animals.”

Under the OSPCA Act, Animal Cruelty Inspectors and Agents are at the front of the fight in protecting animals throughout Ontario, responding to more than 16,000 animal cruelty complaints annually. When they encounter violations of animal protection laws, they can issue orders, remove animals and lay charges under Canada’s Criminal Code. When enforcing animal-cruelty laws, the OSPCA Act gives Agents and Inspectors the same authority as police officers.

It’s Up to the Public. According to Higgins, “We rely on the public. Currently, the OSPCA Act does not give Inspectors and Agents an automatic right of inspection; this means we need “cause” before we can investigate. For that, we have to rely on the public to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and abandonment. Reports should be made to their nearest Ontario SPCA branch or affiliate, Crime Stoppers or police.”

In Etobicoke, if you suspect or observe animal cruelty, please contact the Etobicoke Humane Society, 416-249-6100, and give the information to an office volunteer, or leave a message on line 3.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To arrange an interview, or for further information, please contact

Maria Barnes, PR/Education Coordinator, Etobicoke Humane Society,

416-252-8778; 40acrewoods@rogers.com

NEW DOGS OFF LEASH AREA PROPOSED

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:39:13 GMT

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
DOGS OFF LEASH AREA
PROPOSAL COLONEL SAM SMITH PARK
( R . L . C l a r k Water T r e a t m e n t P l a n t )

An area of Colonel Sam Smith Park has been assessed for suitability
for dogs off-leash activities. As such, City of Toronto representatives
are hosting a public information update meeting to:

Review final design of the area
Follow up on previous discussion items
Discuss next steps

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: The Assembly Hall,
1 Colonel Sam Smith Park Dr,
East Room
If ASL Interpreting or Attendant Care Services are required please contact
Aydin Sarrafzadeh at 416-392-0582 or asarraf@toronto.ca by November 20.

Please leave your dog at home. Thank you

Flyer is attached

Councillor Mark Grimes' Office

Ward 6, Etobicoke Lakeshore

City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Suite C48
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

Tel: 416-397-9273 Fax: 416-397-9279
www.markgrimes.ca

Councillor Mark Grimes is committed to building a community with an active, liveable lifestyle. Etobicoke Lakeshore offers its residents and visitors the beauty of waterfront parks, a flourishing arts community and the use of outstanding recreational facilities.