Spot - Beagle mix

This is Spot, a very distinguished looking dog (may be adopted already). His ears are like flags getting blown around in the wind.


For adoption information on dogs (and cats and other animals), please visit Toronto Animal Services.

One more dog

Looks like there's still one dog left at the Toronto Humane Society waiting for a home. She was in surgery and is just now recovering. I met Mary Sue several weeks ago and she is indeed a darling.


Hello, my name is Mary Sue (A137171). I am an 8 year old, spayed female, large terrier X. I came to the shelter in November 2009 when my owners were not able to keep me. I know I look a little funny, but I promise I have a lot of life and love left in me! Since arriving at the shelter, I have had surgery on my back legs. While I recover, I require someone to support me with a sling while I walk. I am looking for a foster-to-adopt home. This means that while I am still recovering (approximately 1 month), the shelter will cover my costs, but once I am feeling better, my new home will adopt me permanently! Ideally, I am looking for a home with no other dogs and no young children. I also can’t have stairs. My new home will have to be dedicated to following my extensive post-surgery discharge instructions, but it’s totally worth it to get to bring home a cutie like me (if I do say so myself!). I will be on one medication, likely for life, as well as a dietary supplement and good quality senior dog food. If you think you can help me out, please e-mail back ASAP. I need to go home before April 12th when the shelter will be closing for 6 weeks. I can’t wait to meet you!

If anyone’s interested, please let me know ASAP.

Also, if anyone wants to adopt (or knows someone who wants to adopt) a cat or a rat, please come down to the shelter this week to bring home you’re new furry friend!

Thanks so much for your help and support during this difficult time!

Ruthann Drummond
Toronto Humane Society
Administrator

Ruthann can be reached via email.

Animals remaining at the THS

By the sounds of things, all the remaining dogs except for Bandit have found places to go. This is not 100% confirmed but the source is good. A huge thanks to all the volunteers and staff who personally took dogs into their homes or who found placement for them in fosters or rescues. You know none of this good work would have been possible without your efforts.

There are still a lot of cats and small domestics remaining and any help finding homes for them would be greatly appreciated. The THS will close for several weeks so fostering arrangements for the duration of the closure for some of these animals may be accommodated.

Here are three FIV kittens who are looking for homes (descriptions from THS volunteer):

Arnie – Arnie is a little guy with a big nose and a teeny little meow. The poor guy came into the THS over a year ago, so scared and shy. Now he’s a big cuddle monkey – his favorite place to be is cuddling in your arms with one paw on each of your shoulders and nuzzling into your neck. And his second favorite place? Rolling around on your lap, purring and trilling away! Poor Arnie has suffered the fate of so many other black cats – passed by because he’s hard to see at the back of a cage in a shelter full of kitties.

Doc – Doc must be wondering what he keeps doing wrong…he keeps ending up in a cage at the THS. Nothing, Doc! Poor Doc was returned to the THS recently after a year in a home because his owners got another cat and they didn’t want the new cat getting FIV. Poor Doc. This cute little boy is still has his kitten-like playfulness - both with other kitties and people. He’s got big ears and a handsome little face. But the cutest thing about Doc has to be how his little tongue sticks out when he’s happily enjoying being brushed and petted. And, of course, his love of giving little kisses.

Biscuits – Biscuits is one of the funniest cats you’ll ever meet! You’ll usually find this tough-looking guy cuddled up with the little stuffed animal or chatting to people passing by his cage. The poor guy looks a little rough around the edges, with the tell-tale torn ears of many FIV+ cats, which may be why he’s been at the THS for almost 2 years. When he first arrived, Biscuits was very shy about being handled – loved to be brushed but got soooo nervous when he was picked up. But with calm reassurance Biscuits has learned to trust and now loves to be carried around with his chin on your shoulder purrrring away. Hopefully you can see past Biscuit’s tough exterior to the loving, affectionate, funny-guy inside.

Plus a tremendously informative link courtesy of BFAS clearing up some FIV myths....

FIV: Catching a Bad Case of Rumors

Please contact the Toronto Humane Society for more information on adoptions or fostering.

Here's the Facebook page, HELP!!! Adopt an animal TODAY!!!!!

Here's Help the THS Kitties blog which profiles the cats who need to most help.

Neopolitan Mastiff puppies Belle & Bronx – breaking the backyard breeding cycle

(crosspost from Frogdog Blog)

Bella and her 7 surviving babies

Updated: Ten puppies, three of them dead – but the seven live ones are doing fine so far. Kelly isn’t convinced that Belle is done yet – she said that everytime she turns around, it seems like another puppy falls out of Belle!

—————————–

Kelly is a sucker for an animal in need.

Her house is filled with them – kittens she couldn’t say no to, one eyed Frenchies, senior citizen Bullmastiffs, a pair of miniature horses, an Amish work horse rescued just before it went to auction, a draft mare who spent her life pumping out foal after foal.

With a heart like this, it’s no wonder her attention was caught when she came across an ad reading “Moving, Can’t Take Them With Me”.

The dogs the ad referred to were a pair of intact, pure bred Neopolitan Mastiffs – a five year old dog, and a three year old bitch. The owner, who truly seems to have cared for his dogs, had ran into some financial and personal difficulties. He was out of money, out of dog food, and was about to be out of a place to live. He had to place the dogs, immediately. Oh, and did he mention that the bitch was pregnant – and due any moment now?

With a story like that, you can imagine the kinds of responses this ad was getting – people who saw the chance to buy a ‘breeding pair’ of Neopolitan Mastiffs as a golden, money making opportunity.

Kelly immediately knew where this was going to end. The bitch, already on her fourth or fifth litter (her owner didn’t seem to have an exact number, although he did have pictures of her with her previous litter of twelve (!) puppies), would be continuously bred until she or her uterus gave out. The dog would spend his life chained in a yard, siring litter after litter, and offered at stud to anyone willing to pay a fee.

Kelly was determined to stop this from happening. She contacted the advertiser, explained that she’d give the dogs a good home, and offered him cash on the spot. He jumped at it, and she arranged to meet him.

Pulling up in front of the tiny house, Kelly was greeting by the sight of two Neos lounging on the sidewalk, while their owner sat on the stoop. The dogs were happily greeting everyone who passed by, thumping their tails and offering their heads up for a friendly scratch. They were definitely drawing a crowd. Kelly promised to do her best to take care of the dogs, paid their owner, and loaded them into her truck.

Once at home, Kelly has been spending as much time as possible with the two dogs, getting to know them, making them comfortable and trying to asses their temperaments.

Bronx

The dog, Bronx, is a heavy set blue brindle – slightly aloof, which is normal for the breed, but very dignified and calm. He’s already bonded tightly with Kelly, and would likely be happy to transfer that affection to an owner he can call his own. Like most Neos, he’s not safe around small dogs or cats – he’s very prey driven, and would definitely chase them, given a chance. He’s not tested around children, and will not be placed with them. He’s a healthy dog, but he has a horrible cherry eye, which Kelly will have fixed while he’s being neutered.

Kelly would like to see him be placed as soon as possible into a great home, and is willing to have him brought back for his neutering and cherry eye surgery, which is scheduled for April 12th. She’d also like to have him properly evaluated by a trainer, to better determine the right home for him.

Belle

Belle, the little brindle bitch, is a very sad sight indeed.

She’s at least forty or fifty pounds underweight, and so emaciated that her spine sticks up above her back like a ridge. Her sunken ribs make the bulge of her pregnant belly even more poignantly prominent. Kelly had her xrayed, and she is carrying at least eight puppies, on frame that is barely able to support her own weight. It’s enough to break your heart.

In spite of this, Belle has the most winning personality. She’s a foot sitter, a leg leaner, and head butt-er. She craves affection and companionship, and is tightly bonded to Bronx. She’s outgoing and calm, but is also untrustworthy around cats or small dogs, due to her high prey drive. She’s a beautiful girl, and will make a wonderful pet for someone willing to open their hearts to her.

Belle will be placed once she has whelped her puppies. Her puppies will also be placed, on very rigorous spay/neuter contracts. There will be adoption fees for the puppies, and donations are welcome from anyone interested in adopting Belle or Bronx.

Their veterinary fees are high, and growing higher, but Kelly is determined to do whatever it takes to get them fit, healthy and ready for their new lives.

If you are interesting adopting Belle, Bronx or one of their puppies, please contact Kelly directly, via email. She’s located just outside of Orangeville. If you are willing to foster Bronx, or to do temperament testing or evaluation on him, please contact her as well.

I’ll be posting details on the puppies as they grow, and I do have lots of photos of Belle and Bronx, which are here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbulldogs/sets/72157623618290313/

If you blog, or if you belong to Toronto or Ontario area mailing lists, please pass along Belle and Bronx’s information to anyone you think might be interested in offering them a home. Adopting these two dogs might not end backyard breeding, but it breaks the cycle for Belle and Bronx, and for their children.

Notes on the settlement

The complete and original settlement is here. Below are some notes in case you don't want to read the whole thing, although these notes aren't really much shorter than the original.

I'm no lawyer so correct me if I'm wrong.

Italicized text is taken from the original.

[5] Counsel for Ms. McKinnon made three basic submissions regarding the Terms of Settlement:

(i) The primary submission was that no reform plan should be implemented by the current Board and Executive Director of the THS. Ms. McKinnon submitted that the proposed THS Reform Plan had not been subjected to critical examination, and that the THS should wait until the results of the election on May 30 are known and leave it to the new Board to decide what reforms should be initiated;

(ii) In addition, Ms. McKinnon submitted that no existing director of the THS should be eligible to stand for re-election at the May 30 meeting;

Good on Ms. McKinnon for trying to push through item (ii). The last thing a new board needs is a bunch of old board members all ready to sour the new beginnings. Too bad the judge didn't go for it. See [8] below.

[7] Paragraphs 1 through 11 and Appendix "A" of the Terms of Settlement address corporate governance issues. Their implementation will result in the holding of a special general meeting of THS members on May 30, 2010, under the supervision of an independent Election Supervisor, for the purpose of nominating and electing a new Board of Directors. C. Campbell J. has kindly agreed to make himself available to mediate any dispute or disagreement relating to the Terms of Settlement that might arise in advance of that meeting. The THS and OSPCA have agreed to this supervised election process and, in my view, it addresses most of the governance concerns previously voiced by the intervenor. I have no doubt that if members have any specific concerns about the accuracy of the membership list, they can bring those to the attention of the independent Election Supervisor.

[8] As to the eligibility of the current directors to stand for re-election, evidence has been filed to indicate that most will not stand for re-election. For those directors who plan to run in the election, notwithstanding that serious charges have been laid against them, our law presumes that they are innocent until proven guilty of any charge. I therefore see no basis upon which to disqualify any current director from standing for re-election.

Are the charges of animal cruelty against the board members still pending or has some deal been made in the back rooms?

[9] One result of this court proceeding has been the public disclosure of vast amounts of information about the past and present operations of the THS. Extensive affidavit materials have been filed, and the Monitor filed two reports on the THS' finances. In my view ample information exists to enable any member who wishes to become informed about the affairs of THS to do so, which should result in transparent and informed elections come May 30.

After a decade of the THS membership not knowing what was going on, I hope everyone's paying attention now.

Animal care issues

[10] The remaining Terms of Settlement deal with the two main allegations made by the applicants regarding the performance by the THS of its charitable objects. Paragraph 12 requires the THS to report to the PGT, as requested, on any financial matter which might arise prior to the May 30 special meeting. This provision supplements the two reports already prepared by the Monitor. Paragraphs 13 and 16 of the Terms deal with the steps the THS agrees to undertake, in its THS Reform Program, to ensure that the quality of the animal care services it offers to the public properly fulfills its charitable objects.

"Paragraph 12 requires the THS to report to the PGT"

Yeah, because the PGT (Public Guardian and Trustee of Ontario) has been so helpful so far in all of this. Why they positively deserve a medal.

[11] Most of the details of the THS Reform Program for animal care are found in paragraphs 5 through to 18 of the affidavit of Garth Jerome, THS' Executive Director, affirmed March 25, 2010. It is clear from his affidavit that Mr. Jerome has consulted widely with other animal care shelters and expert veterinarians in order to identify deficiencies in the past animal care practices of the THS and to develop infrastructure, animal care policies, and staff training programs that will rectify those deficiencies.

Mr. Jerome consulted with the Edmonton Humane Society. Here's their annual report for 2008.

[12] At the hearing on February 25, 2010, Ms. Catharine MacDonald, the OSPCA's CEO, testified that she thought Mr. Jerome was doing a good job as the new Executive Director of the THS. The THS Reform Program which he has spearheaded indicates to me that Mr. Jerome is working hard to ensure that the THS emerges from this process as a better-governed, better-run, and regulatory-compliant organization. His efforts have been impressive.

[13] The intervenor submitted that no matter how extensive the work performed by Mr. Jerome has been, the fact remains that he was appointed as Executive Director by the current Board and, the intervenor argued, one cannot ignore the fact that serious allegations about lack of proper animal care have been made against those Board members. In those circumstances, Ms. McKinnon contended, no reforms should be implemented until a new Board has been elected on May 30. To do otherwise, she argued, would be to usurp the power of the members to determine the direction of the needed reforms. Ms. McKinnon submitted that the parties should return to the bargaining table to strike a deal that better reflects the reality that, come May 30, a new Board will be in place.

Wasn't Mr. Jerome a lab tech or something in his last job at the THS? I'm all for promoting from within an organization but I think Jerome's appointment to CEO was one of political and financial convenience for the present board. I don't think he's proven himself yet to qualify as the best choice for CEO of what could once again be Canada's largest humane shelter. So is the new board going to be stuck with him for the next two years? At least in job title, it looks that way.

[14] I understand Ms. McKinnon's concerns. That said, the proposed settlement has arisen in the context of specific litigation. Absent a settlement, the parties will be forced to spend significant amounts of money on a hearing that will start on Tuesday. Looked at in that context, I think the proposed settlement is a reasonable one. True, the THS Reform Plan was not subjected to critical examination in a court proceeding, but the items contained in the plan involve matters that fall within the ambit of business decisions which the Board and management of an organization must make. And while serious allegations have been made against the current directors of the THS, the members will have the opportunity come May 30 to express their views on who should run the organization in the future. Most of the actions contained in the THS Reform Plan strike me as the sort the organization would have to undertake in any event. If the new Board thinks that the THS Reform Plan does not strike the right balance, it is open to the new Board to amend the plan and delay the re-opening of the THS facilities.

Sounds like the THS Reform Plan is open to reform.

[16] I should note that the OSPCA is not opposing the THS Reform Plan. At the same time, it is not agreeing to it. Instead, the OSPCA takes the position that it is up to the THS to develop and implement an operational plan that will comply with the requirements of Ontario's regulatory regime governing the care of animals. That, I think, is the correct perspective on the issue.

[17] Of course, the proof of the THS Reform Plan, or any amendments subsequently made to it, will be in the pudding. As worthy as the objectives and details of the THS Reform Program are, their successful implementation, or the implementation of any amendments, will require the support of the new Board of Directors to be elected on May 30, continued vigilance by THS management to achieve the program's objectives, and such on-going co-operation and compliance with the regulatory authorities as the law requires.

Right on.

[18] I emphasize the need for continued vigilance and diligence by the THS, its Board, staff and members, in reforming their animal care practices. This court proceeding marks the third time in less than 25 years that issues concerning the THS have come before this court: Ontario (Public Trustee) v, Toronto Humane Society (1987), 60 O.R. (2d) 236 (H.C.J.); Trow v. Toronto Humane Society, [2001] O.J. No. 3640 (S.C.J.). I have come to understand from the materials filed that the issue of the care of animals excites great passion amongst many, provoking quite different views about appropriate methods of animal care. That said, the THS owes fiduciary duties to the public who support it, and it must operate within a defined regulatory regime. Meeting those obligations must always remain the focus of the decision-makers at the THS.

Right on again.

SCHEDULE "A" TERMS OF SETTLEMENT

8. The parties shall not directly or indirectly, by word or by deed, publicly disparage any other party in relation to any matter connected with the Application and the allegations made therein. This shall not apply to individuals while they are giving evidence in proceedings properly before the courts of Ontario.

Happy public face. Snarly in the courtroom face.

9. It is understood and agreed that Laurie Overton and Tim Trow have resigned from the Board. Effective May 30, 2010, all of the seats of the current Directors (the "Current Directors") shall be vacant for the purposes of the SGM.

10. Notwithstanding anything in this agreement, Overton and the Current Directors shall remain members in good standing of THS if they elect to do so, and shall not be prohibited in any manner from volunteering their services to THS, or adopting and fostering animals from the THS.

So, does this mean the animals cruelty charges have been dropped?

11. Overton and the Current Directors may stand as candidates for Director of the THS at the May 30, 2010 election and any subsequent election, should they elect to do so.

Wouldn't it be funny if we woke up on June 1 and the whole board was re-elected?

12. From the date of this settlement to May 30, 2010, the THS shall promptly report to the PGT, at the written request of the PGT, on financial matters which may arise from time to time.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THS REFORM PROGRAM

13. The parties acknowledge that the THS intends to implement a reform program, described in paragraphs 5 through 18 of the affidavit of Garth Jerome, affirmed March 25, 2010, and in the letter of Stephanie McDonald to Heidi Rubin, dated March 25, 2010, attached as Exhibit "A" to the further affidavit of Ana Maciel (the "Reform Program"). The Reform Program consists of the following stages:

(a) The THS will close to the public on April 12, 2010;

(b) By April 12, 2010, the THS will divest itself of animals through adoptions, fostering, transfers to rescue groups, and euthanasia where recommended for medical reasons by THS veterinarians;

(c) From April 12 to May 30, the THS will, among other things:

(i) review, revise and implement policies and protocols regarding euthanasia, intake procedures, cleaning protocols, animal care procedures, medical protocols, adoptability criteria, adoptions procedures and general operations protocols;

(ii) implement an extensive deep cleaning of 11 River Street facility;

(iii) implement a retraining program for its staff; and

(iv) acquire and utilize software and other assets to improve operations.

(d) Following this process, on or after June 1, 2010 the THS will reopen to the public and will resume admissions of animals.

Like the judge said, the proof will be in the pudding.

14. It is agreed that the OSPCA shall remain in control of and responsible for animal care at 11 River Street until April 12, 2010, following which the THS shall be in control of and responsible for animal care and all other operations at 11 River Street.

15. If on April 11, 2010, there are any remaining animals at 11 River Street, THS shall surrender such animals to the OSPCA. There should be few, if any, animals requiring euthanasia by this date. On or before April 12, 2010, there will be no animals at 11 River Street. Following the surrender and removal of animals from 11 River Street, the OSPCA shall vacate the premises at 11 River Street.

16. For greater certainty, while THS is implementing the Reform Program between April 12, 2010 and June 1, 2010 no new animals shall be admitted to 11 River Street.

Appendix "A"

May 30, 2010 THS Court-Supervised Election Procedures

Election Supervisor: TBA, on consent of all parties. The Election Supervisor shall have authority to appoint a committee of his or her choosing to assist in the election, including a vice-chair and recording secretary for the Special General Meeting ("SGM"). This shall be a single purpose meeting solely for the election of the Board of directors. No other business may be discussed or voted on at the meeting.

The Election Supervisor will be responsible for:

• All communications with members (see timeline below for suggested communications)
• Receiving nominations;
• Finalizing the candidate list;
• Chairing the SGM with authority to make determinations re: who may attend the meeting, and any membership questions that arise on the election day.

3. Membership List: The membership list shall be frozen as at November 26, 2009, but may include, in the sole discretion of the Election Supervisor, any unprocessed applications for memberships that were received by the THS by November 26, 2009. For the purposes of the election, the Board shall waive its authority under the Bylaws to accept or reject new memberships. Instead, this authority shall be vested in the Election Supervisor.

Sounds to me like this means no new members will be accepted. So, basically the same people who voted Trow in for the past decade will be the ones voting in the new board. Let's hope they've been keeping up this time.

4. Proxies and Absentee Ballots: Proxies will not be used during this election. Absentee Ballots will be used in this election as members may not wish to or be able to attend the SGM itself owing to:

• Distance
• Age/infirmity
• Wish to avoid the SGM itself

An Absentee Ballot form shall be sent out with the membership package and include an addressed envelope return date for processing. The materials shall indicate that proxy votes will not be accepted. All nominees should be listed on the form. The candidates are free to designate voting for a slate of directors and so group themselves together on the Absentee Ballot form.

Proxy votes are what allowed Trow to stay in power year after year. No one should have that kind of power - too easy to abuse. Good to see proxy votes gone.

5. Candidate Qualifications

An individual nominee will present to the Election Supervisor, by the date specified by him or her, a completed nomination form including verification that the nominee will comply with s.4(l) of Bylaw 1A, has been nominated and seconded by-members in good standing, and a biography and platform/mission/vision statement, subject to restrictions in length determined by the Election Supervisor.

• The Election Supervisor shall develop the final nomination list and have the authority to resolve questions regarding whether or not a candidate has fulfilled the above requirements;
• The Election Supervisor shall have the authority to edit and/or reformat the candidate's bios and platform/mission/vision statements in reference to continuity, length, and avoid any libelous or otherwise unseemly statements.

Bios and statements shall also be made available on the THS website.

Election procedures sound fair, at least more fair than it's ever been at the THS in the past. You board of director wannabes got your best mugshots and ideas ready?

Toronto Humane Society Settlement

The complete settlement reached between the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA is here (as if you keeners didn't already know). Despite it being legalese, I highly recommend reading it as it contains some important information which will very much affect what happens at the THS in the short term.

I'll attempt to break it down later. Gotta eat. Too much shizz going down these last few days.

Toronto Humane Society obtains full control of its shelter under a new court approved agreement - or in other words, "Bye bye!"

Above headline from CNW as per the Toronto Humane Society. Which ever way they want to spin it, the board is out!

OSPCA will leave THS shelter on April 12. THS will close the facility and reopen June 1

TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ - The Toronto Humane Society ("THS") is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement that will see THS management resume control of all operations of its shelter on April 12, at which time it will close for six weeks to re-train staff and implement new policies and animal-care guidelines, Bob Hambley, President of the THS announced today. The deal was approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice today in Toronto .

"The THS has earned the court's approval to resume full operations of its shelter," said Frank Addario, Criminal Lawyer, Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP. "The long excellent relationship between the THS and the citizens of Toronto will resume later this spring."

Under the terms of the deal, the THS will first complete the removal of the remaining 200+ cats, dogs and small domestic animals at the shelter. Most of the animals will be adopted out or boarded at other locations. In some cases animals that are too physically or mentally ill to make full recoveries for adoption will be euthanized as determined by an OSPCA/THS veterinarian. Following the departure of OSPCA officials on April 12, THS management will temporarily close the shelter to begin the retraining of staff in preparation for resuming full operations, including new animal admissions on June 1.

"During this period our staff will undergo comprehensive re-training from outside experts on the best practices of animal care. As well, the entire facility will undergo a thorough cleaning and obtain new equipment to improve operations," said Garth Jerome, Executive Director of the THS. "This short term closing will reap long term benefits to The Toronto Humane Society. We will come back stronger, wiser and better able to serve the animals Toronto 's sick and abandoned animals."

Also in the agreement the THS Board of Directors shall call for a Special General Meeting of members for May 30, 2010, for the purpose of nominating and electing 15 new directors to the Board .

"Members of the THS can expect to see a substantially new Board following the May 30 meeting. We are looking forward to new ideas and new energy that will help the THS meet the needs of the thousands of sick, injured and abandoned animals that come to our shelter each year," said Bob Hambley, President of the THS. "Mr. Jerome has a two-year contract and his mandate is renewal. We have confidence he will successfully restore the THS to its place as one of Canada 's leading animal welfare organizations."

The THS is a not-for-profit organization solely funded through charitable donations that has been delivering care to animals since 1887. Its mission is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering.

Frank Addario will be available for comment at noon at the THS.

For further information: Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator, Toronto Humane Society, (416) 984-3097

So folks, it's time to put on yer campaign hats. There are some board seats that need filling.

And, lest we forget, there are still a load of animals in the building.

The Globe and Mail article is here.

The Toronto Star article is here.

The OSPCA press release is here.