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Ottawa council to consider kennel and pet shop licensing |
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 After more than eight years of lobbying from the OHS and others, Ottawa city councillors finally appear ready to consider the issue of kennel and pet shop licensing regulations. The city’s Bylaw & Regulatory Services Branch is developing harmonized regulations for both boarding kennels and animal retail establishments. The new policies are expected to be deliberated by council in 2010.
The OHS urges its supporters to attend two public meetings to discuss the city’s draft proposals, and to advocate for appropriate and humane conditions for Ottawa’s animals. The issue of kennel licensing will be discussed on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 7–9 p.m. in the council chambers at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive. The information session for pet shop licensing will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7–9 p.m. at the same location. For more information and to RSVP, please e-mail Christine Hartig or call 613-580-2424, ext. 25629. |
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OHS takes drastic measures to protect animal health |
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 A deadly bacteria affecting shelter dogs has forced the OHS to take immediate measures to protect animal health. The proactive steps followed two cases of fatal hemorrhagic pneumonia, caused by the deadly bacteria. The source pathogen is typically limited to shelter settings, and is all the more difficult to control in a building as cramped and outdated as ours.
OHS veterinary staff initiated mass antibiotic therapy in all dogs at the shelter in order to prevent further spread of the bacteria. As well, dog adoptions and dog fostering had to be placed on hold. The decision also impacted OHS community programs, as regular visits were temporarily suspended to eliminate exposure to volunteer animals visiting the shelter.
These kinds of emergency measures shouldn’t be required in the planned new shelter, which will include improved ventilation systems and more space to house ill and contagious animals. Find out more about the plans to build a new home for Ottawa’s animals. |
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Feral cats experience miserable lives in our community |
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 Recent publicity surrounding a local feral cat colony has highlighted the difficult, often miserable, lives these animals face in our community. About 30 cats were recently found living in an industrial park close to the Ottawa airport, the result of past abandonment and neglect by pet owners. The colony’s caretaker died not long ago, leaving an uncertain future for the animals — especially as winter sets in. Agents from the Society have visited the industrial park to check if any of the animals were in immediate distress or danger and many of the cats have been removed. While the OHS has successful relationships with many feral colony caretakers in Ottawa, it believes the management of feral colonies is a responsibility shared by the community. The solution to the problem is not an easy one, but it starts with owners taking permanent and lifetime responsibility for their animals.
Learn more about the OHS’s feral cat program. |
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Buddy & Belle helps Bailey |
 Chewy's a young Shih Tzu who was brought to the OHS as a stray. He arrived without a name, so OHS staff chose to call him after the Star Wars character he so closely resembles!
Chewy also turned up with a damaged leg that caused him pain whenever he tried to use it. While the in-house veterinarian determined the best course of action for Chewy, the loveable dog was vaccinated, neutered, and had dental surgery too!
After a few weeks, clinic staff decided to try to surgically repair the torn cruciate ligament in Chewy's knee. This marked the first time this surgery was attempted at the shelter, and it was a great success! Chewy's now in a foster home to recover and will have several more weeks of being pampered before he's ready to look for his forever home.
Find out how you can help animals like Chewy through the OHS Buddy & Belle Fund. |
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World Animal Week
October 4–10 is World Animal Week. Find out how you can endorse WSPA’s (World Society for the Protection of Animals) campaign for a universal declaration on animal welfare.
Get ready to rock for the animals!
CUPE Local 503, which represents OHS staff, is hosting a concert to highlight the importance of public services in Ottawa and to help Ottawa’s animals. The concert, on Oct. 17 at Lansdowne Park, will feature headliner David Wilcox and the Cooper Brothers. The concert is free, so come out with a gift to support the OHS Breaking Ground Building Campaign and help build a brighter future for Ottawa’s animals.
Visit CUPE 503’s website for more information.
Record-setting walkathon helps the animals!
The OHS celebrated its most successful walkathon ever in September. Over 1,500 participants and their animal friends attended the 21st instalment of the Iams Wiggle Waggle Walkathon and helped raise more than $195,000 for Ottawa’s animals! That astonishing number far surpassed our original goal, and topped last year’s total by $40,000. Thank you to all our two-legged and four-legged friends who pledged their support to help homeless, neglected and abused animals in our community.
View photos and inspiring video footage from the walk. We’ll see you at next year’s walk on Sept. 12, 2010!
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