Summer is a busy time at the Ottawa Humane Society. Waves of kittens need our help, we receive far more wildlife than usual and we support a wealth of stray animals in returning to their homes — all while finding perfect matches for Ottawa’s homeless animals.
Maybe not one by itself, but I know that many people raising their voices for the animals can make a difference.
I hope you’ll join me and animal advocates across the province in reaching out to Premier Doug Ford, urging him and the Solicitor General to increase the number of animal investigators and improve the transparency of the province’s investigations into animal welfare.
I don’t know about you, but I’m happy for a day of relief after four days of a heatwave. Every year, the OHS reminds the community of the dangers parked cars pose to pets and every year, dogs are still left in hot cars and are exposed to conditions that cause extreme suffering, brain damage and death.
At the OHS, we’re currently grappling with a significant setback: we do not have the staff to operate our Mobile Spay/Neuter Service. After running the program last Thursday, we are now forced to temporarily pause the service.
As we enter our busiest time of year, resources we were previously able to redirect to the program must be focused on providing for the high population of homeless animals in our care. And before anyone asks, no, the OHS is not overcapacity or turning animals away. We are always available for animals in need.
Volunteering: it’s an incredible thing. It means donating your time and energy, towards a greater cause. It’s an integral part of keeping an organization like the OHS going. And for high school students in Ontario, it’s also a requirement for graduation.
We often get calls from eager teens hoping for the chance to earn their volunteer hours at the OHS, helping animals in need. We’re excited to have just launched a new program that will give them that chance – it’s a win-win for the animals in our care and for the youth who are passionate about them.
In June, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will trundle into Ottawa, bringing with them cruel exploitation of bulls for entertainment and profit. In PBR’s display of complete disregard for animal well-being, bulls will be mounted with a flank strap tightened around their lower bellies and forced to flail in distress while a crowd roars, music blares and bright lights flash.
At the OHS, we’re asking the community to not attend or support the event and to sign a petition showing that Ottawa does not want PBR or events like it to return.
I’ve already talked about how much I love plans, so it’ll be no surprise that I am beyond thrilled to share our new five-year strategic plan! Our focus: saving more animals by helping at both ends of the leash.
Last fall, Ottawa shared with us what’s needed to help pet owners and better support all animals in our community. It’s clear that in our current times of rapid change and uncertainty, we must be able to adapt nimbly and quickly, to meet our shifting environment and help more animals and the people who love them.
Silence is a killer of animal welfare, and silence is what Ontario introduced last year with Bill 156, the so-called Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act. Thinly veiled as a means to protect biosecurity on farms, the bill targets people who report animal abuse in the farming industry — slashing transparency and accountability for how these businesses treat their animals.
The past week, the sun has been shining, birds have been singing, people have been walking around in shorts and t-shirts, and at the OHS, we’re getting ready for a busy spring and summer. In early 2024, the OHS had already seen an unusually high, but not surprising number of animals in need. Just today, close to a dozen puppies were being scheduled for surgery! I’m expecting this trend will continue into the warmer months, with pets of all kinds needing life-saving shelter and care at the OHS.
From April 14 to 20, we are celebrating National Volunteer Week and the contributions of close to 800 volunteers who give their time, effort and heart to Ottawa’s homeless animals.
There is no question, without the support of our volunteers, the OHS would not be able to care for thousands of animals each year.
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