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The Ottawa Animal Advocate

November 2018

Halloween Costumes and Pets

Cat on a hat

We have all seen it on-line: a dog dressed as Superman, a cat in a witch’s hat. Admittedly, the photos and videos can be cute. But, think about it a minute. Does that cat like being dressed up? Does that dog enjoy wearing the mask? Certainly some don’t seem to mind in the video, but what happened just before or just after that cute shot? The reality is dressing up a pet can cause her stress or even distress. Further, if outdoors, it can be dangerous. A scared pet that bolts may not be able to see out of that mask, and could be seriously hurt.

Beyond the immediate distress that Halloween costumes cause some pets, dressing up animals in general contributes to what is often called the “Disney dog” syndrome. That is, this anthropomorphism—attributing human characteristics to an animal—can create an expectation that pets won’t behave like animals: sometimes peeing on the floor or chewing something of value into bits. And too often bad things happen to animals that don’t meet human expectations.

So, is dressing your pet the worst thing in the world? In most cases, probably not. Is it more humane not to? Yes, we think so.

An Update on Canada’s Bestiality Legislation

On October 18, Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould tabled legislation that would strengthen laws around animal cruelty and bestiality.

There exists one appalling loophole in the current legislation — that only acts of penetration between people and animals are punishable under Canada’s bestiality law.

For nearly a year now, Calgary MP Michelle Rempel has been publicly arguing that this loophole be rewritten to include, “any contact by a person, for a sexual purpose, with an animal.”

According to Wilson-Raybould, bill C-84 now includes a common ground approach to ensuring the protection of children and animals from cruelty and abuse. Also, the legislation was expanded to include protection against activities related to animal fighting.

Guaranteed, we will be keeping a close eye on the outcome. You can help by emailing your local MP and asking them to support bill C-84.

Feral Cats: The Product of Human Irresponsibility.

Feral kitten

Feral cats are the offspring of stray or abandoned household pets. They have been raised without human contact and quickly revert to a wild state and form colonies wherever food and shelter are available.

There is a huge debate about exactly how many feral cats live in or near our community, but it is almost assuredly in the thousands. Their lives are brutal and short, so even one is too many.

And where do they come from? Feral cats are the result of human irresponsibility. Unsterilized pets are allowed to roam or are dumped at a farm or on a roadside. They reproduce and their progeny are raised without socialization to humans. Their offspring do the same, quickly growing their numbers. The result is more cats and more cat suffering.

Working with our partners, the OHS is trying to end the cycle of suffering through sterilization and release. But we can’t do it alone. Sterilize your cat. Keep her inside. Educate others to do the same.

Be a hero for an animal today....
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Max
Buddy & Belle: Max

Some animals arrive at the OHS with small medical issues. And some have big ones – really big ones! But for Max, his medical emergency was EXTRA LARGE!

Read his story and donate towards his medical care »

Air Miles
OHS News
  • Air Miles – The OHS has recently experienced some difficulties with the OHS Air Miles reward card which required a new account to be opened.  We encourage our loyal supporters to help care for Ottawa’s animals by collecting Air Miles for the OHS.  Please collect Air Miles for the OHS and save an animals life today. 
  • Heartwarming Gifts
  • Warm Hearts Raffle
  • Santa Pet Pics
 
Events Calendar
ONGOING
 

Warm Hearts Raffle

Tickets on Sale! More Info »

nov.
15-18

OHS Auxiliary Christmas Craft Sale at Westgate Mall
More Info »

nov.
19

Online Holiday Auction opens

The OHS Holiday Auction is a great way to get your holiday shopping done AND help Ottawa’s animals. All proceeds from the auction go directly to supporting animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society. The auction is live from November 19, 2018 to December 10, 2018.
More Info »

dec.
1-23

Santa Pet Pics at the OHS

HO! HO! HO! Santa is coming to the Ottawa Humane Society! Mark your calendars and bring your furry friends and family to have your portrait taken with Santa. All proceeds go directly to supporting the animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society. More Info »

JAN.
18

Warm Hearts Raffle Early Bird Draw

Being held at the Ottawa Humane Society at 245 West Hunt Club, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More Info »

fEB.
14

Warm Hearts Raffle Grand Prize Draw at the OHS
More Info »

 
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Ottawa Humane Society
245 West Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 1A6
ohs@ottawahumane.ca | www.ottawahumane.ca

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