One of the elements of the OHS strategic plan is to strengthen our partners. Not strengthen the partnership, but the partners themselves. It’s not just a nice thing to do, and it’s not just our contribution to the wider animal welfare movement, the more able our partners are, the more they can take on, because, let’s face it, there is a lot of work to be done in animal welfare.
Many of you may be familiar with what is called “One Health.” One Health is the understanding that human health, animal health, and the health of the environment are inexorably linked. The three are, and will always be, interconnected.
The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed a change to the phrase we use to describe the number of animals we care for each year here at the Ottawa Humane Society. Last year, the phase was “nearly 10,000.” In 2020, the phrase is “over 8,000.”
We adopted Gracie, “the cat who must be obeyed,” when she was 10 years old — a senior, by any measure. I wanted a senior cat, because, frankly, I’m too old to deal with rambunctious kitten behaviours for long. Kittens are cute and fun, but after an hour or so, I want my quiet house back. I knew I needed a relatively mellow pet.
Over the years, the Ottawa Humane Society has increasingly invested in the behaviour and emotional well-being of the animals in its care. The introduction of hide and perch boxes for cats was one milestone. Daily, rotating, enrichment activities for dogs was another.
On the heels of progressive animal welfare legislation, the provincial government has introduced a new bill in the legislature that is major setback for animal welfare in Ontario.
Bill 156, the so-called Security from Trespass and Animal Safety Act is not only a major animal welfare concern, but parts of it are also alarming for anyone concerned about civil liberties in our country.
I feel like celebrating, not just for saying goodbye to 2019 and welcoming 2020, but for the Ottawa Humane Society and animal welfare. A lot has happened in 2019 and there is a lot to celebrate. Just a sampling:
One December, over twenty years ago, I was taking a break from a long afternoon of Christmas shopping. I had already hauled a load or two of purchases back to my car and was feeling tired and chilled as it was an exceptionally cold evening. I was pleased that I was almost done—only a few small things left to buy.
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