Financial crisis affects the animals

If you’ve picked up a newspaper lately, you’ve no doubt read about the impact of the current financial climate. We’ve certainly felt the repercussions — responses to our most recent direct mail campaign have not met expectations and the news that the Community Foundation of Ottawa will suspend grants in 2009 is another unfortunate development. For the past eight years, the OHS has been the recipient of Community Foundation grants totalling between $5,000 and $10,000. That money has been used to fund initiatives like our Brightening Lives Animal Visits and Humane Education programs.

The effects of the economic downturn come at a time when we find our shelter busier and more crowded than ever before. The reality is that no matter the state of the country’s or community’s finances, our job remains the same. Whether in boom or bust, the problems of animals in our community fall to the OHS — and ultimately to supporters like you who help us to heal animals, rescue them from abuse and neglect, and find them new and loving homes. Please consider a monetary donation or an in kind contribution from our wish list to help Ottawa’s animals — both now and in the future.

  New poster campaign aims to end pet overpopulation

In response to the problems of pet overpopulation, the OHS has launched a poster campaign to encourage animal sterilization and raise awareness about the dangers outdoor cats face in our community.

With the tag line of “real men neuter their dogs”, the OHS hopes to promote the notion that responsible animal ownership includes preventing unwanted litters. The second poster sheds light on the problem of cats running loose on the streets, where they are at risk of being hit by cars, and are vulnerable to disease and the elements.

The posters will be sent to local veterinary clinics and community centres with a goal of raising awareness about these issues, the repercussions of which we deal with on a daily basis.

To view and download a copy of the posters, click here.

 New animal cruelty law good news for Ottawa’s animals

Bill 50 is a good first step in offering animal rescue agents more flexibility in seeking justice in animal cruelty cases.

The OHS is celebrating new animal cruelty legislation passed in the Ontario legislature on Nov. 17. Bill 50, the Provincial Animal Welfare Act, ensures that people who abuse animals will face jail, stiffer fines and a lifetime ban on animal ownership.

The new bill makes it a provincial offence to cause distress to an animal and carries more severe penalties, which include jail terms, and fines up to $60,000. The bill also bans animal fighting and allows Ontario SPCA agents inspection rights at facilities where animals are kept for sale, exhibit, entertainment or hire.

But while Bill 50 is a good first step in offering rescue agents more flexibility in seeking justice for animal victims, governments still aren’t doing enough to adequately protect animals in Canada. Although the OHS is legally mandated to enforce federal and provincial animal cruelty provisions, it does not receive any government funding, or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work. Our animal rescue agents succeed thanks to you and your support.

Bill 50 is a good first step, but the OHS needs the funding to ensure this protection can actually happen.

To learn more about Bill 50, click here.

  Give a cat a home for the holidays

Following an unprecedented summer and fall of overcrowding at the shelter, the OHS remains full of cats with more than 350 in the building at any one time. In an effort to increase adoptions at a traditionally slower time of year, we’re actively promoting the holiday season as a prime time to adopt a “forever” pet. Increasingly, as families enjoy longer holidays and time at home, the season could be an ideal time to consider adoption.

While the OHS never advocates impulse adoptions or the giving animals as gifts, the holidays could be the season to open your home to an animal in need.

To view cats currently available for adoption, click here