We're finally moving into our new facility on June 22^nd! While OHS staff is swamped with details to remember, the important things for you to know are:

• OHS Adoption Centre on Champagne Ave. closes June 22 and opens June 24 at 245 West Hunt Club Road.
• Municipal Animal Shelter on Champagne Ave. closes June 23. It opens June 24 at the new facility on 245 West Hunt Club Road.

For more information on closures, a map of our new location, and other details, visit www.ottawahumane.ca.

The OHS charged a man with permitting distress to and failing to provide adequate food and water for an animal after he abandoned his nine-month-old Lionhead-type pet rabbit for a week, leaving it in a cage. Shane Cadorette was charged on April 21, 2011 after a member of the public brought the malnourished and dehydrated rabbit to the OHS out of concern for its well-being. An OHS veterinarian immediately examined the starving animal and placed it on fluids and dextrose, but the small animal had deteriorated so much that it died shortly after admission. Mr. Cadorette did not attend his first court appearance and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Although legally mandated to enforce the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada, the OHS does not receive any government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work.

Please help fund these critical investigations by making a gift to help protect the animals.

Tiffany Atkins was charged March 16 with causing distress to her cats and failing to provide adequate water and sanitary conditions for an animal. An OHS investigator, with police assistance, executed an OSPCA warrant, entered Ms. Atkins' home and found two cats dehydrated, without water and living in unsanitary surroundings. Ms. Atkins pled guilty and was sentenced to a $200 fine and probation. She was ordered to pay restitution of $301 to the OHS.

Every month in our present shelter, the Ottawa Humane Society treats between 120 and 150 cases of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). URI is a cat cold, which can be caused by a virus or bacteria. It results in sneezing, runny nose and eyes, congestion, cough and loss of appetite in cats. In a stressful shelter environment, URI can have serious complications and is often life-threatening.

Cats with bacterial URI require medication, in the form of eye drops or pills, as well as rest and plenty of fluids.

The OHS spends $175/month on bacterial URI medication.

Help us purchase the needed medication to care for sick cats.

The Ottawa Humane Society is pleased to be part of the Ottawa DragonBoat Foundation's 2011 Pledge Challenge. The OHS is one of seven charities that will share the proceeds from the funds raised by the paddlers and their supporters June 17—19. For information about the programs funded by the Dragon Boat Foundation, visit www.dragonboat.net.

On June 16, many local community leaders, "top dogs and cool cats" will be in the dog house and will need your help to bail them out! The OHS is hosting a "jail and bail" fundraising event at its new facility at 245 West Hunt Club Road, with proceeds going to the Breaking Ground Building Campaign. You can participate in this fun-filled event in three ways:

• Help a top dog or cool cat raise bail money by visiting their personal web page and donating.
• Become a sponsor (PDF)
• Purchase tickets

See the new shelter before it opens. Enjoy a cocktail reception, appetizers, desserts, entertainment throughout the evening, and live and silent auctions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ottawahumane.ca or contact Anna Silverman: 613-725-3166 ext. 279, annas@ottawahumane.ca.