CORP-12-39 - City of Oshawa

~OShawa To:
Corporate Services Committee
From:
Rick Stockman, Commissioner
Corporate Services Department
Report Item:
Date of Report:
CORP-12-39
February 23,2012
File:
Date of Meeting:
F-3010
March 1,2012
Subject: Concerns Regarding Operation of Oshawa's Animal
Services Shelter
1.0
PUBLIC REPORT
PURPOSE.
The purpose of this report is to respond to the following Corporate Services Committee
directions:
1. Committee's direction to staff on November 17, 2011:
"That Correspondence CORP-11-22 dated October 24, 2011 from Linda Power, Spay
Neuter Initiatives Association submitting concerns regarding the operation of Oshawa
Animal Services, be referred to staff for action/follow-up and report back to the
Committee."
2. Committee's directions to staff on January 19, 2012:
a. "That Correspondence CORP-12-07 dated January 12, 2012 from Michelle
Nadon submitting recommendations to reduce euthanizing of animals, help
increase adoptions and reduce operational costs of Oshawa Animal Services,
be referred to staff for a report back to Committee."
b. "That Correspondence CORP-12-08 dated January 12, 2012 from Ariel Lang
providing suggestions for improvements to Oshawa Animal Services be
referred to staff fora report back to Committee."
2.0
RECOMMENDATION
That the Corporate Services Committee recommend to City Council:
1. That in accordance with Report CORP-12-39, "Concerns Regarding the Operation of
Oshayva's Animal Services" dated February 23, 2012, staff develop the framework for
a volunteer program at Oshawa Animal Services based on the principles of
promoting animal welfare, education and civic engagement;
2. That staff investigate opportunities to enhance the marketing of Oshawa Animal
Services' Animal Adoption Program; and
3. That staff implement a nine month trial service enhancement by extending the animal
shelter business hours for public access to include Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
through the redeployment of administrative staff.
98011-0704
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
3.0
Item: CORP-12-39
Meeting Date: March 1, 2012
- 2-
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Corporate Service Committee received several correspondence items in November
2011 (CORP-11-22) and in January 2012 (CORP-12-07 and CORP-12-08) from animal
welfare advocates advancing concerns related to: the practice of euthanasia at Oshawa
Animal Services (OAS); the level of customer service including ~AS' hours of operation;
the level of adoptions, quality of adoption advertisements and adoption fees; animal
licensing; ~AS' collaboration with rescue/foster groups; and the implementation of a
volunteer program at ~AS.
As per Committee's direction, staff conducted an extensive analysis of the issues raised
by the various animal welfare advocates and made the following key findings:
• the practice of euthanasia and rates at OAS are average and within the range of
municipal animal shelters providing a similar level-of-service;
• that the fees for animal adoption are consistent with the highest quality of animal
care services animals receive;
• staff regularly promote the benefits of animal licensing; and
• ~AS' collaboration with rescue groups and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) remained a significant part of ~AS' approach to
animal care.
OAS continues to examine 'new initiatives to promote animal care and service delivery to
the public and as such the report recommends increasing the level-of-service at OAS on
Saturdays, completing a volunteer program at OAS and investigating animal adoption
marketing strategies.
4.0
INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES
4.1
General
~ Other
~
municipalities
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
Auditor General
4.2
~ The
Auditor General has no comments.
5.0
ANALYSIS
5.1
Background
~
At its November 17, 2011 meeting, Committee received correspondence (Attachment
1) from Ms. Linda Power of the Spay and Neuter Initiatives Association (SNIA)
expressing concerns regarding the operations of the City's animal shelter by Oshawa
Animal Services (OAS). Committee directed staff to report on these issues.
1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
~
Item: CORP-12-39
Meeting Date: March 1, 2012
- 3-
Additional correspondence was received at the January 19, 2012 Committee meeting
from Michelle Nadon (Attachment 2) and Ms. Ariel Lang (Attachment 3) expressing
similar concerns over shelter operations. Committee referred the correspondence to a
staff report.
5.2
Issues Raised
~ The
following summarizes the issues/concerns brought forward by SNIA, Ms. Nadon
and Ms. Lang:
• that the rate of euthanasia at OAS shelter is well above average;
• staff are disinterested in helping owners reunite with their animals;
• staff do not know the personality of the animals in their care and do not make
potential adoptive families feel welcome during visits to the shelter;
• Animal Services does not respond to messages left regarding animals advertised
on their website that are up for adoption;
• the level of adoption, associated fees and advertisements for adoptable pets are
concerning;
• there is a lack of collaboration between OAS and rescue/foster groups;
• OAS should implement a volunteer program;
• the hours of operation of Animal Services are inadequate; and
• pet owners perceive animal licensing to be of low value.
~ Of the
concerns expressed by SNIA, Ms. Nadon and Ms. Lang, staff have identified the
following six common themes/concerns related to ~AS' operational practices which the
report will address:
•
•
•
•
•
•
5.3
the practice of euthanasia and rates;
the level of customer service;
the level of adoptions, quality of animal advertisements, and associated fees;
animal licensing;
OAS collaboration with rescue/foster groups; and
an OAS volunteer program.
OAS and the Humane Use of Euthanasia
~ OAS
is an open admission shelter meaning that, with the exception of owner­
surrendered pets, all animals are accepted regardless of type and condition.
~ OAS
policy clearly prescribes the humane use of euthanasia only in circumstances
where the animal's owner cannot be located and the animal meets one of the following
two conditions:
a) the animal is suffering from illness or injury and holding the animal in its continued
state would be inhumane; and
l'
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
Item: CORP-12-39 Meeting Date: March 1, 2012 -4-
b) the animal is unsuitable for adoption which includes but is not limited to the
following conditions:
• the animal is dangerous and aggressive;
• the animal is highly stressed; and
• the animal has age-related conditions.
~ ~AS'
euthanasia policy is consistent with those of other municipalities and the Ontario
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Staff's strict adherence to this policy
ensures that euthanizing healthy pets that are suitable for adoption does not occur.
~ Many
of the animals received by OAS are ill and infirm or are highly stressed to the
extent that significant behavioural problems exist. In such cases, the humane use of
euthanasia is a responsible and necessary outcome.
~ The
decision to humanely euthanize an animal is not taken lightly. In fact, rigorous
accountability controls and procedures are in place to ensure that the humane use of
euthanasia is practiced only when it is absolutely necessary. Prior to the use of
euthanasia, ~AS' policy requires the implementation of a double check procedure
where the prepared list of animals to be euthanized is first reviewed and signed off by
the Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement. It is subsequently reviewed again by the
Animal Services Clerk to verify that all information is accurate and no conditions exist
that would prevent authorization for euthanasia.
5.3.1 OAS and Euthanasia Rates (Statistics)
~
Analyzing euthanasia statistics is a complex process with no standardized
methodology for measurement. In order to maintain consistency, staff contacted the
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) for best practices related to the
methodology for measuring euthanasia statistics.
~ CFHS
advised staff of the following formula:
Euthanasia Rate
Total # of Animals Euthanized
= (Total # of Animals
Admitted - Dead Animals Admitted)
X 100
~ Based
on the formula provided by CFHS and analysis of OAS shelter data, ~AS'
euthanasia rate has been, on average, approximately 51 % since 2008. This rate is
consistent with other municipal animal shelters which offer similar levels of animal
services.
~
While euthanasia rates are an important animal shelter benchmark, an examination of
the reasons for euthanasia (Table 1) is equally informative. Euthanasia is carefully
considered and undertaken by OAS only in cases where the animal is suffering from
illness and/or injury to which the keeping the animal in its current state would be
considered inhumane, and when the animal is deemed to be unsuitable for adoption.
Such cases are contemplated in ~AS' policy on euthanasia.
1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
~
Item: CORP-12-39
Meeting Date: March_ 1,2012
- 5-
An examination of ~AS' animal shelter records (see Table 1) indicates that the
humane use of euthanasia has been consistently practiced according to the OAS
euthanasia policy and that it is used only when it is warranted.
Table 1 Reasons for Euthanasia (2008-2011) Reasons for Euthanasia
Disease, Illness and Injury
Unsuitable for Adoption (Dangerous and/or
Aggressive, Pit Bull, Feral etc.)
Percentage of Animals Euthanized
2008
2011
2009
2010
55%
71%
80%
68%
45%
29%
20%
32%
5.3.2 Other Municipalities and Euthanasia Statistics
~
Comparisons and interpretations of euthanasia statistics must be carefully made
considering that each animal shelter, whether it is operated by a municipality or a
humane society, offers differing levels of service. For instance:
• municipal animal services shelters, unlike many humane societies, are obligated to
enforce animal by-laws and provincial regulations and respond to picking up stray,
injured and sick animals;
• only half of all 2008 and 2010 CFHS survey respondents were open admission
shelters admitting all animals regardless of their physical condition; and
• municipalities record shelter statistics differently as they provide varying levels of
service.
~
A survey of animal shelters was conducted and animal statistics were gathered from
municipal animal shelters and the CFHS in preparation of this report. It is important to
note that gathering euthanasia statistics from other municipal animal services was
difficult and yielded a low response rate given the sensitivity of the issue. Furthermore,
only a limited number of responding municipal animal services offered a comparable
level-of-service to ~AS.
~ The
principle findings were that firstly, ~AS' 51 % euthanasia rate is consistent and
within the range of the rates for other comparable municipal shelters. Secondly, that
the level-of-service varied for each municipality/humane society. For example
municipalities had varying levels of after hour animal care services and animal shelter
admission criteria.
~
The average rate reported by CFHS' 2007, 2008 and 2010 surveys of humane
societies and Societies for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA) was 42%.
2009 CFHS survey data was not available for consideration in the analysis. CFHS
regularly compiles survey data from Humane Societies and SPCA across Canada with
a typical survey respondent range of between 80 to 100 animal shelters.
1 .1" 1;1IX
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
Item: CORP-12-39 Meeting Date: March 1, 2012 - 6-
~ While
the euthanasia rates from CFHS survey respondents are lower by comparison to
OAS, it is important to consider that only 50% of CFHS respondents indicated that they
were open admission shelters and admitted animals regardless of their conditions (ie.
sick, diseased, injured etc.).
OAS and Animal Care
5.4
~ The staff at OAS are fully accredited with either a Animal Veterinary Technician or
Animal Health Technician certification and are passionate about animal issues in
addition to delivering quality customer service to the public. Staff endeavour to serve
the public and animals in the community and are cognizant of the diverse needs of all
animals in the shelter.
~ OAS
maintains a comprehensive shelter database which records each animal's
information from the point of initial intake to its outcome. The compiled information
includes, but is not limited to the animal's:
• general description: breed, age, colour and type;
• outward demeanour: animal behaviour and ability to acclimatize to
surroundings;
• previous history: such as animal's history of neglect and medical history;
• temperament/personality: ability to get along with other animals and humans.
its
~ This
information is used by staff to deliver customized care to each animal and for
adoption purposes by facilitating a harmonious match between a potential adoptee and
the animal. Information maintained in the database is synchronized with ~AS' animal
adoption website allowing the public to view up-to-date profiles of animals available for
adoption.
Animal Adoption Advertisements
5.5
~ Listings/profiles
of pets available for adoption are accessible to the public through the
City's Animal Services webpage. Similar to many other municipal shelters, OAS uses
an intuitive user-friendly online listing service to manage each adoptable pet's profile
providing up-to-date information about the pet and various OAS points of contact for
the prospective adoptee. A recent enhancement to the listing service integrated the
use of social media (Facebook and Twitter) allowing individuals to promote pet
adoption and to share pet profiles to other potential adoptees.
~
Adoptable pet listings/profiles are updated automatically when animals are received at
the shelter and prospective adoptees are able to review information relating to the pet
including:
•
•
•
•
a picture of the pet;
name and ID number (for reference purposes);
whether the pet is spayed/neutered;
age and colour;
1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
Item: CORP-12-39
Meeting Date: March 1,2012
- 7-
• the date of arrival at the shelter; and
• staff comments related to the pet's personality.
~ ~AS'
advertisement practices are consistent with other animal shelter best practices
and although the descriptions of the adoptable animals are concise, the automation of
animals' profiles in conjunction with a brief description ensures that all the pertinent
pieces of information are present and that listings are up-to-date and posted in a timely
fashion. Additional details, such as the animal's temperament, and questions related to
,the animal in general are promptly followed-up by shelter staff.
~ It
is recommended that staff investigate opportunities to further enhance the marketing
of the Animal Adoption Program.
5.6
Animal Adoption Fees
~ ~AS'
adoption fees ($230 for dogs and $150 for cats) are determined according to the
services provided to the adoptable pet and the costs for services are not fully
recovered. Pets available for adoption receive the most comprehensive package of
animal care services when compared with other municipalities as detailed in
Attachment 4.
~
A staff cost analysis of comparable services provided to pets by private sector clinics
has been estimated at approximately $1,000 for dogs and $900 for cats; these costs
vary for male and female pets.
~ Staff
believe that the current adoption fees reflect good value and do not recommend a
reduction.
5.7
~
Animal Licensing
Animal licensing is an essential component of a municipal animal care by-law and
shelter program. Animal licensing assists in providing a host of services and benefits to
the public and licensed pet owners; such services and benefits include:
• pets that are licensed by the City can be easily identified if they are lost;
• shelter staff are able to quickly reunite licensed pets with their owners;
• if found by OAS, it provides a licensed pet with a free ride home to its owner or to a
veterinarian;
• contributes to OAS delivering a comprehensive animal care and shelter program;
and
• reinforces existing legislated public safety regulations with respect to rabies
immunizations and vaccines.
1.1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
Item: CORP-12-39 Meeting Date: March 1, 2012 - 8-
>-
The benefits of animal licensing are articulated through the OAS website and by staff
contact with pet owners specifically during the animal licensing renewal period. Staff
continue to assess the feasibility of new initiatives for promoting animal licensing in the
City.
>-
To support animal licensing, Municipal Law Enforcement staff engage in proactive
enforcement which includes activities such as contacting and informing pet owners to
renew their animal's licence during the renewal period, engaging pet owners while on
patrol to ensure pets are licensed, and visiting pet owners at their homes to ensure
compliance.
>-
Staff recommend that the pet licensing regime remain in place and that proactive
enforcement and monitoring continue.
5.8
Hours of Operation
>-
OAS examines its level-of-service on an ongoing basis to improve service delivery to
citizens. ~AS' business hours are Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
>-
Although the business hours for the shelter do not include Saturdays, there is an
opportunity for the public to schedule appointments between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
>-
Initiatives to expand weekday services have been attempted in the past. Staff
implemented a multi-year pilot project which increased the weekday level-of-service on
Thursdays to 7:00 pm; however, a subsequent program evaluation found that the
community's use of the expanded service was minimal and that there was little
variance to pet adoption rates.
>-
There have been requests for the shelter to be open for business on Saturdays.
>-
It is recommended that staff implement a nine month trial service enhancement
program by extending the animal shelter business hours for public access to include
Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm through the redeployment of administrative staff.
5.9
>-
OASand Collaboration with External Organizations and Individuals
Collaboration with individuals and external organizations (ie. OSPCA, rescue groups
etc.) is an integral part of ~AS' approach to animal care. Staff carefully assess, on a
case-by-case basis, whether it is in the best interest of an animal to be delivered to the
care of an external party. Accordingly, there are two forms of collaboration OAS
actively engages in:
a) Fosters: animals which may benefit from personalized attention and care are
temporarily given to foster homes off-site for a period of time until it is returned to
the shelter to be adopted. The animal remains under the ownership and care of
~AS.
b) Transfers: results in the transferring of animals to an agency/individual
permanently; OAS ceases to have any ownership/care of the animal.
1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
Item: CORP-12-39 Meeting Date: March 1, 2012 -9-
~ It
is important to note that sick and/or compromised animals requiring veterinary care
are not typically fostered/transferred unless recommended by a veterinarian and upon
confirmation that proper medical treatment is being provided.
~
Given that the City of Oshawa is committed to responsible pet ownership and ensuring
that animals receive optimal levels of care and attention, OAS has a process to
determine the suitability of foster/transfer candidates and only collaborates with foster
homes and transfer applicants who demonstrate responsible pet ownership and
compliance with all applicable laws.
~ In
order to determine suitability, OAS' process may require applicants to permit a home
inspection; provide an inspection record from the OSPCA; and provide details such as
an address, number of current pets, home status (rental/owned), proof of spay/neuter
and placement records of transferred animals.
~ Since
2008, OAS has successfully fostered 285 and transferred 566 animals
representing approximately 12% of all living animals received by OAS.
5.10
OAS Volunteer Program and Other Ongoing Animal Service Initiatives
~
With the conclusion of the collective bargaining process with the City's CUPE Local
251 in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Corporation was successful in negotiating terms
with CUPE Local 251 which would permit the establishment of a volunteer program at
OAS.
~
Accordingly, staff recently concluded its best practices research and are in the process
of developing a volunteer program aimed at promoting animal welfare, education and
civic engagement.
~ OAS
staff are constantly examining ways to improve animal care and service delivery.
Recent initiatives include but are not limited to the following:
• off-site pet adoptions with community partners such as Pet Valu;
• OAS recently implemented an enhanced animal care program which established a
regular weekly visit by a veterinarian to provide additional animal care services;
• an additional animal care attendant was scheduled on weekends; three animal care
attendants provide services seven days a week at OAS year round;
• new state-of-the-art Animal Services vehicles outfitted with animal-comfort control
systems, enhanced lighting and readily sanitized surfaces for disease prevention;
and
• Municipal Law Enforcement Officers provide 24-hour animal services year round.
5.11
Conclusion
~ OAS
examines methods of service improvement on an ongoing basis. These efforts
include assessing best practices from other municipalities and professional
1
Report to the Corporate
Services Committee (Continued)
-10-
Item: CORP-12-39 Meeting Date: March 1, 2012 organiiations involved in animal care as well as consulting and collaborating with
community partners. Extensive staff analysis and benchmarking has found that:
• the practice of euthanasia and rates are consistent with other municipal animal
shelters offering similar levels-of-service;
• staff continue to articulate the numerous benefits of animal licensing to the public;
and
• OAS regularly collaborates with rescue/foster groups in a manner consistent with
responsible pet ownership.
~ Staff
recognize the desire by the various animal welfare groups for an increased level
of service and are recommending that:
• a nine month trial service enhancement program by extending the business hours
for public access to include Saturdays;
• staff investigate new animal adoption marketing initiatives; and
• staff complete the OAS volunteer program.
6.0
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
~ There
are no direct financial implications related to this report.
7.0. RESPONSE TO THE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN
~
The recommendations are consistent with Objective C1 (Enhancing quality of
communities and/or neighbourhoods, to protect the safety, health, and well-being of
the public) and Objective C2 (Improving communications, cooperation and community
engagement).
Conlin, Director
icipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services
Rick Stockman, Commissioner Corporate Services Department Attachments
CORP-11-22
I
Item: CORP-12-39
Attachment 1
I
{
••• Sp·av Neuter
•
.
JTI···
··
nltlatlves A
SSOclatlon
148 Central Park. Boulevard North
Oshawa, Ontario L1G 5Y7
October 24, 2011
Mayor John G. Henry City of Oshawa 50 Centre Street South Oshawa, Ontario L1 H 3Z7 Dear Mayor Henry:
RE: OSHAWA ANIMAL SERVICES
. We are a local animal welfare charity who deals with the public on a daily basis.
We are receiving many complaints regarding the operation of Oshawa Animal
Services.
'
The "SERVICE" the public expects from their municipally run shelter is to protect
and, if necessary, re-home the lost and homeless companion animals in' our
community. The tax paying public and our charity does not support the use of
euthanasia as a method of animal control. It is an antiquated system and is not
proving to be effective as the companion animal population continues to grow
and grow. Outlined below are some of the other concerns we have with Oshawa
Animal Services:
1. the rates of euthanasia at your shelter are heartbreak,ng and
well above average;
.
2. staff does not seem interested in helping owners reunite with their
companion animals;
3. the staff does not seem to know the personality of any of the
animals in their care and does not make potential adoptive families
. feel welcome during visits to the shelter;
4. Animal Services does not respond to messages left regarding
animals advertised on their website that are up for adoption;
1
., 2
5. the adoption rates at OshawaAnimal Services are dismal partly
because they charge $260.00 for a dog and $170~OO for a cat.
Pickering Animal Services charges $150 for a dog and $100.00 for
a cat. A difference of $110.00 for a dog and $70.00 for a cat;
6. the hours of service at Oshawa Animal Services are 8:30 to 4:30.
Other shelters are open 8:30 to 6:30 and on Saturdays 8:30 to
3:30. Your shelter has reduced service on Saturdays I the
most popular day for adoptions In any municipality. You have
to. buzz to get in and we are tol~ many times, no one answers
the buzZer;
7. finally. the public is not licensing their animals because they feel
they are not receiving any benefit, resulting in a loss of revenue.
This money could be used to help save more companion animals in
our community and have them ~payed or neutered.
Killing healthy, adoptable companion animals is no longer acceptable to the
citizens of a modem city. We would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to
discuss this matter further.
K~~~
Linda Power
Treasurer
Spay Neuter Initiatives Association
(905) 579-7198
www.spayneutertoday.com
c.c. Mr. J~rry Conlin, Director
Municipal Law Enforcement
Ms. Nancy Diamond
Councillor Mr. John Neal Colincillor '
PET OVERPOPULATION IS A CRISIS
GflaFACTS ,.".
.- That is why we are going to
establish a permanent, high
volume spay/neuter clinic for
dogs and cats in DurhanJ Region.
Every year there are
approximately 1,000 dogs,
cats, puppies and kittens
euthanized in Durham
Region.
Spaying and neutering
is a safe, humane and
non-lethal method of
controlling the
overpopulation of our
companion animals.
By spaying and
neutering your pet, you can be an
important part ofthe solution, and
save the lives of animals in your community.
~
Please help us
open the first
permanent high volume spay/neuter clinic in Durham Region. MYTH: It's betterto hove one fitter before spaying 0
female pet.
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the
opposite. Females spayed before their first heat al
typiCally healthier.
MYTH: I want my children to experience the miracle·
birth.
'Otese two beautiful animals are valued
members of a loving family who care for
~m.
.
Unfortunately, many of the animals in our
Region are not so lucky. They are homeless
and unwanted simply because there are
not enough gOod homes to go around;
Our goal is to ensure that every animal has
a home, and·is loved and .cared for.
We will do this by redudng the number of
unwanted animals by offering reasonably
priced spa~ and ~er services.
The hlgh-volume cliniC will be available to:
• pet parents
• animal rescue organizations
• Humane Societies
• AnimaJServices
A dog has lots of.friends because he wags his tail, not his tongue. -Anonymous FACT: The miracle of birth is quickly overshadow!
by the thousands ofanimals euthanized In animal
shelters. Teach children that all life is precious by
spaying and neutering your pets.
MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like Ie:
ofamale.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept ofsexual
identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's
basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of .
emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutere
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT:The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy
because their parents feed them too much and
don't give them enough exercise.
MYTH: nt find good homes for the puppies and
kittens.
FACT: You might. But you can
only control what decisions you
make with your own pet, not the
decisions other people make wit
theirs. Your pet's puppies and
kittens, or their puppies or kitten
cpuld end up in an animal shelte·
as one ofthe many homeless pet
competing for a home.
E
0
u
::>.
-
homeless cats are tne result OT a
failed relationship with humans.
All
10
"
0
~
J:l!:l
01
E
0
...
~
·
·"'"
1'0
>
II'l
~
10
c:
E
CJ
.....
-I
·
·:I
«
0
"t::'sz
=0
~
0
c: " 10
>-c:..c
0··
c:
:I
J
01
-
~
c:
C
··:;
·;;
10
~E
...
$~
10 10 VI
~vi"0
~
_.
Il
1::
o
~
01
~
>z
~~"ti
+:i ~
oJ'- en
·.-.
:::J
1ft
...
~
:::J
0
~
ii
:>
,.
3
:>
:;
';;
E
I
01
cs
-
.~ V\ <XI
10 -
..~
ta
£f:lO
01
\I)
m
....
::::J
g
~
«
\I)
:pE~
...
c:VI,E
o·
~
IU
E
,2
z>-
0
0
a::
0:::
....
N
I\')
~\O
IU·. • 'lit
Q.
VI
....
I.t\
.I.t\
00
:tI:
dI
.,
~
Q)
E
IU
z
01
a::
.(\J
:c
.,.,Vi
.­
."
.~.
For more information or to team more about
how you can help feral cats,
. please contact
Spay Neuter Initiatives Association:
[email protected]
:J
~
""«
For unsocialized feral cats we will offer spay/neuter
services to enable Trap, Neuter, Return or R~home
and Maintain (TNRM) programs to help destitute
feral cats throughout Durham Region. These cats
will then be able to live out their lives without
producing more unwanted litters of kittens.
0l5f~
c:..c
'Vi U
,,_01
IU Q.. ~
01
l-
8
>- ~ '0
om . .
"a
!!
:J
c:
If Q,i
IU 01 .­
U
::::J
......
c: ~ .~
0"'­
1.
VI
...u
QJ.cu
1S.~c
~ 10 0
:l 01 01
:J
10
The cat has kept its part ofthe
agreement. Over and over
again, we have reneged on our
part and simply left millions
of cats forsaken and struggling
each day just to survive.
5(;~
o~
f-
"
01 f:!
.... z ...
5 >- ~
>o-=t
.c
II
.5.
$c:
-= If~
...
~
C
t...
:;::::J­
~ ~u
:s
~
0­
15.
o
J2
c:
_c:~
Co 'iii
Co .0
01
01'"
0
Many years ago we entered into a
domestication agreement with the cat.
~
..~ Spa~J::!~J!t~~Oci. -.::
IU
.c
u
spayneutertoday. com
They all want a home and
family that cares for them.
PET OVERPOPULATION IS A CRISIS
Item: CORP-12-39
Attachment 2
CORP·12·07
From: M. Michelle Nadon [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:28 AM To: Mary Medeiros
,
Cc: John Henry; John Aker; Roger Bouma; Bob Chapman; Nancy Diamond; Amy . England; Tito-Dante Marimpietri; John Neal; Nester Pidwerbecki; Doug Sanders; Jerry Conlin; linda power; Rick Stockman; AVA; animal guardian; Lorraine Houston; Mature Dogs; ariel lang
.
Subject: LETTER TO OSHAWA CORPORATE SERVICES/ANIMAL CONTROL MTG Jan.19.12 Oshawa City Hall To the attention of Oshawa Corporate Committee Members, Regional·and City Counsellors, and the (Hon.) Mayor of Oshawa: I am writing you today, in honour of "Missie" - a beautiful german shepherd
in vel}' dire straits at Oshawa Animal Services (OAS) in May, 2005. Missie was
, lucky - she made it out alive. This is specifically because at the 11th hour, a
rescue organization was called, and managed to help her avoid euthanization.
She ultimately died 14 months later from the infection that went untreated by Oshawa Animal Services. You can read Missie's story
.
here. http://www.c4panimalrescue.comlrescue stories/missie.php As a long-standing, active member of Canada's animal rescue community, I have
been aware for some time that OAS operating practices need serious attention
and upgrading to 2012 standards. As publisher of an animal advocacy
newsletter with a membership of 3,000, www.c4panimalrescue.com that
promotes best practices in animal rescue on a regular basis, I respectfully submit
the following recommendations to help reduce OAS euthanizations, help
increase adoptions, and reduce operational costs:
1. OAS needs immediate changes to reduce euthanasia rates through a better
managed adoption program, and needs to resume collaborative
relationships with rescue organizations. Rescue organizations interested in
working with OAS include: Durham Humane Society, Speak of Dogs Rescue,
C4P Animal Rescue, The Animal Guardian Society, Action Volunteers for
Animals, amongst many worthy and experienced others, including other shelters
and pounds. It is standard practice in animal advocacy today to move animals
from one shelter to another shelter or rescue, to facilitate adoption potential.
Working with the community and moving animals out faster will cost the city
considerably less than keeping them for months on end. Best practices for
improved adoption programs include getting the animals posted on the
appropriate websites, as soon as possible, so as to cut their time in the shelter
and improve their chances of adoption. Further, some pets under "Lost and
Found" are not replicated under "adoption" - even if there is a hold time, you
could still advertise them under adoptions and garner interest in them earlier. I'm
sure if someone wants a certain pet, they'll wait an extra day for the hold to come
off. Best practices for improved adoption programs include getting the animals
on websites that offer both lost and found potential as well as adoption sites. As
an example, Toronto Animal Services uses both Petfinder and Petharbor
successfully.
c
2. Pet Photos and bios: photos are largely unattractive and not reflective of
the personality of the animal. They are taken hastily, typically behind fencing,
sometimes aerial shots, are sometimes so dark so that you can't see the pet's
face, and often potential adoptors cannot tell the size of the dog. Taking the time
to warm up the dog/cat and get a happy smile or beauty shot dramatically
improves adoption rates as well.Jndeed most shelters cjrca 2012 post 3 photos
of each pet. This is a very simple policy that could be initiated with no
cost/trouble. Just a simple memo I directive. There are also inadequate bios,
which don't relfect the animal's history, current state, or future hopes for a .
family. Many shelters have community volunteers come to take the pictures,
most have photographic experience. A picture really is worth a thousand words,
and in this case - adoptions.
3 Adopters are reticent to adopt kennel-stressed dogs - dogs that are in the
shelter too long, without proper soCialization and exercise - especially around
holidays. With one person on staff during the christmas period, I'm sure...!!.Q
animals enjoyed any quality time whatsoever with their caregivers. Adopters
are hard pressed to find kennel-stressed dogs adoptable. They often don't see
the dog's potential and dogs who are in the shelter too long, without proper
socialization and exercise will not present as a desirable pets and companions.
4. The management of the organization could definitely enjoy a greater
standard of professionalism by returning calls and emails made to them by
individuals seeking to lend support. Telephone'calls (and re-calls) were not
returned to rescuers or Durham Humane Society for weeks and weeks (to be
clear, we are not complaining about calls not returned immediately - we just want
them returned). As a public service, it is incumbent on management to respond.
Do they not know this?
Today in advocacy, we are no longer alone. The entire rescue community in
Canada has grown and evolved to meet the demand. We are proud of our work
and we put animals before politics. We have increased our professionalism and
are accountable to each other. We would be very happy indeed if Oshawa
Animal Services rose to the challenge and adopted a collaborative approach to
working with rescues, to ultimately address the crushing problem of too many
unwanted pets. At minimum, OAS needs to upgrade its' processes, standards,
performance, adoption practices, and external relations with greater community
In honour of all the ones we can't save because Oshawa Animal Services
management (read, Mssrs. Feagan, Conlin and Stockman) refuse to work
with us, or creates arbitrary and ridiculous barriers to prevent us from
working WITH them on behalf of hapless animals.
Please a~cept my thanks for taking the time to read these recommendations.
M. Michelle Nadon
C4P Animal Rescue
Canada's Animal Advocacy Network
www.c4panimalrescue.com
[email protected]
T: 905.126.2011
Please do not breed or buy, while shelter pets diel Missie, before and after: Holding her ears sideways from pain in her ears - very sad expression on her face. You can see her pelvic shelf - never a good sign. 1
1
Item: CORP-12-39
Attachment 3
CORP-12-08 .
S. 14(1), Municipal Freedom _ _ _ _ _.'' , of Information and Protection From: ariel lang ~
of Privacy Act
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:30 PM To: Mary Medeiros Cc: John Henry; John Aker; Roger Bouma; Bob Chapman; Nancy Diamond; Amy England; Tito-Dante Marimpietri; John Neal; Nester Pidwerbecki; Doug Sanders; Bruce Wood Subject: OAS initiatives to "save lives" July 2010-Sept.2011--J.Conlin, R.Stockman, K.Feagan Hi Mary: Please include this "cover" email with the handouts for the Corp. Services Committee re OAS initiatives to "save lives" July 201 O-Sept. 2011 to J. Conlin, R. Stockman and K. Feagan. The initiatives address: shortage of staff; lack of volunteers/groomers/dog walkers; lack
of collaboration with rescue and with other shelters; posting photos/bios that "attract"
adopters/Speaking of Dogs Rescue Directory; networking; fostering; increased hours of
adoption; Pet Finder tips; Bill Bruce; "pilot" program for an OFF-SITE Volunteer Rescue
Coordinator; and Nathan Winograd's Redemption.
I received no response following an offer to: share my concerns with Jerry's Oshawa
Animal Consultative Committee (Corp. Services Committee???); forward a Shelter
Resource Guide for "kick'starting" a compaign (shelter resources, recruitment and
organization of volunteers).
Nor did I receive a followup email re Calgary Animal Shelter's website (to Rick and Jerry); nor my email re "If Calgary can do it Oshawa can too!!! (a NO KILL [Bill Bruce] Success Story in the Toronto Star). And whilst Kevin gave the "green light" re sending info about OAS impounded dogs, to
my knowledge his collaboration with rescue is poor.
Sincerely,
-ariel lang .
. S. 14(1), MuniCipal Freedom
of Information and Protection
of Privacy Act
S. 14(1), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
From: ariel lang . To: John Gray; Brian Nicholson; Robert Lutczyk; Nester Pidwerbecki; Joe Kolodzie; John Henry; April Cullen; John Neal; Maryanne Sholdra; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Louise Parkes CC: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tue Jul 13 11 :05:20 2010
Subject: Oshawa Animal Services
Mayor John Gray: For many years, Animal Rescue has attempted, unsuccessfully, to collaborate with Oshawa Animal Services in an effort to help it find homes for its homeless residents. Please note that handing dogs awaiting euthanasia over to Rescue is not an uncommon practice. A colleague recently sent me the OAS website, after discovering that one of the dogs
posted there remarkably resembled one of my own pets.
I phoned and asked OAS if I could be contacted should the dog not be adopted and
scheduled for euthanasia (apparently it's performed randomly!). My request was denied!
I was told that OAS didn't work with Rescue because of a lack of "person power."
My sense is that dropping the adoption fee, regardless of the circumstances, would
also have presented an issue.
I understand the OAS budget has recently been halved. I also received some other
disturbing information:
a) Staff: OAS only has four employees: two kennel attendants for approx. 80 animals;
one clerk; and two field officers.
b) Volunteers/Grooming and walking: OAS does not allow volunteers, according to one
of its employees "because they would have to have rabies shots." Neither the Toronto
Humane Society, which had hundreds of volunteers, norToronto Animal Services asks
its volunteers to get a rabies shot "as they don't work with wildlife or animals that bite."
c) Networks: OAS doesn't work with Rescue Organizations. Any number of the myriad
of breed-specific and all-b"reed rescues (compiled in a book listing all rescues) would
love to try to help the OAS find forever home.s for its animals.
e) Fostering: OAS does not have foster homes for its abandoned and, sometimes,
abused intakes (again, because of a I~ck of person power!) Puppies and kittens are
particularly vulnerable. I wastold that cats are killed much more frequently than dogs.
f) Adoption agencies: OAS doesn't work with other shelters. Other locations provide a
whole new community of adopters and save the shelter the cost of housing animals.
g) Information: Because they are so short-staffed, OAS does not describe its intakes
with a view to attracting potential adopters: It provides only the most basic facts, i.e.,
"neutered, male, black and tan, Coon hound" next to a photo of the front half of the dog.
This omits much important information. Examples:
* Photos: photographs typically don't include afore or background object to provide a
reference for the dog's size;
* Weight: dogs are not weighed because OAS doesn't have a scale and are, merely
designated as small, medium or large;
* Age: Staff "guess" at an animal's age;
* Behavior: dogs are not tested to ascertain whetheror not they like dogs, cats,
1
kids;
* Clean in crate: lack of info re whether the dog is house (toilet) trained;
* Obedience: assessment of an animal's knowledge of basic commands such as sit,
down, etc;
,
Obviously, Oshawa's lack of human resources (both staff and volunteers) greatly
diminish an abandoned animal's prospects.
.
. Animals denied champions on the outside spend needless time in kennels and result
in a needless allocation of financial resources ..
And, the topper? OAS is asking a whopping $260 to buyout unwanted dogs (big
bucks for most residents of Oshawa!) But are these dogs vetted, i.e., shots, neutered
and/or spayed prior to adoption? Why would OAS allow an animal to die rather than
lose the adoption fee by handing it over to a reputable rescue organization?
Animals in the custody of the OAS are not getting re-homed through no fault of their
own.
Wouldn't you concur that OAS would have a much greater success rate if it opened
its doors to volunteers and fosters and worked with rescue, and other shelters with more
adopter potential?
Mayor Gray, I think you will agree that changes are needed and many of us are
trying to help achieve this goal. Might I please have an appointment with you to discuss
this matter further?
http://www.petharbor.com/results.asp?WHERE=type DOG,age 0&PAGE=1 &searchtyp
e=AII&stylesheet=http://www.oshawa.ca/objects/
Sincerely,
-Ariel Lang
. S. 14(1), Municipal Freedom
of Information and Protection
of Privacy Act
1
S. 14(1), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection From: ariel lang of Privacy Act
Subject: Re:Thank you!
To:" Rick Stockman
"<[email protected]>, [email protected]: "John Gray"
.<[email protected]>, "bill bruce" <[email protected]>
Date: Thursday, August 26,2010,4:19 PM
Mr. Stockman and Mr. Colin:
Thank you, again, for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with me yesterday
to
discuss initiatives to re:-home Oshawa 's abandoned dogs.
. I believe we are all in agreement that initiatives to optimize adoption are needed, in addition to the recruitment and training of volunteers to support OAS staff. I visited your shelter on my way home. Happy to learn old dog Duncan has been adopted. I've been following Beagle/Shep A029678, and would appreciate feedback re your successful "homing" of him, hopefully, in the near future. I'm attaching a copy of my comments and for a list of reputable rescues are listed below. For a hard copy, you can phone/email Lorraine Houston at 416-444-4190 or [email protected] Looking forward to speaking with you soon and supporting OAS in any way that I possibly can. Sincere appreciation, -ariel lang . ..$.1 Y (i) {ftff'A
I
,...
Speaking of Dogs Rescue Directory attached.
1
TO: Rick Stockman, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Jerry Conlin, Director, Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services (Animal Control; Rental Housing; Licensing Nuisance Standards; and Corporate Security) FROM: Ariel Lang DATE:' August 25,2010 For many years, several rescues, including Adopt-a-Dog: Save-a-Life and Mature Dog
Adoptions, have attempted to collaborate with Oshawa Animal Services (OAS), in
an effort to help it find homes for its canine residents. Elsewhere, working with, and
handing dogs awaiting euthanasia over to, rescue is a common practice.
A colleague recently sent me the OAS website, after discovering that A029678--one
of the dogs posted--bore a remarkable resemblance to my dog, Jack.
I phoned and asked the OAS if I could be contacted should the Jack look-a":like
not be adopted and scheduled for euthanasia, which is apparently
performed randomly! My request was denied! I was told:
a) to call theJOAS daily for info about the dog (why doesn't A029678 have a name?); and 'b) that the OAS doesn't work with rescue ,because of a lack of "person power." I understand from yesterday's conversation that the OAS budget has recently been
re-directed toward the investigative side. Are investigations becoming more frequent? I
also received some other key information from the OAS:
a) Staff: In addition to a clerk and three (currently two) field officers, OAS has only
one kennel attendant and two vet techs for approximately 150 animals of which 50 are
dogs (I only observed, perhaps, a dozen when Iwas there?).
b) Volunteers/GroominglWalking: Most SpeAs and shelters rely heavily on its
volunteers. The OAS has neither volunteers nor a volunteer to recruit othe'rs.
c) Networks: OAS doesn't work with rescue groups for the same reason--it doesn't
have a volunteer for this task! A myriad of breed-specific and all-breed rescues are
, compiled in a directory (see previous email). A number of rescues will (and do) post
OAS dogs on its websites directing potential adopters to the OAS.
d) Fostering: OAS has a limited number of foster homes for its abandoned and
sometimes abused impounds, again, because of a lack of person power! Puppies and
kittens are particularly vulnerable. I was told that many more cats are killed than dogs.
e) Adoption Agencies: OAS doesn't work with other shelters or humane societies
(again, a lack of volunteers); Moving an animal to another location provides a whole
new community of adopters and saves the shelter the cost of housing. For example:
Beagles are impossible to home in Kingston, yet Labradors are in high demand.
f) Hours of Adoption: I understand the OAS is only open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
weekdays and Saturdays. All four TAS centres are open seven days a week 10:30 to
6:30 p.m. f) Pet Finder Info: Because it is so short staffed, OAS does not describe its intakes with a view to attracting potential adopters: It often provides only a head shot and the most basic facts, i.e., "neutered, male., black and'tan, Coon hound." Posting Dogs:. Pet over population has increased the fierce competition for adoptions. The more specific the information, the .quicker dogs will be adopted; fewer will get sick, depressed and/or go "kennel crazy" and instead of it costing the City of Oshawa money for euthanasia, it will recover money on adoption fees. tn an effort to give dogs every opportunity for adoption, a detailed description,
gleaned by observing and testing by a professional; Is essentiaL It will also 'limit
LIABILITY.
An animal needs to be "matched" with its adoptive family. Otherwise it could
end up in. a horrific situation, i.e, on Kijiji!
Current OAS Website:
..
Photos: . Photographs typically don't include a fore or background object to provide
a reference for the dog's size;
Weight:. Dogs are not weighed because OAS doesn't have a scale and are
designated only as small, medium or large;
Age:
Staff "guess" at an, animal's age;
Behavior:
Dogs in kennels are often depressed or hyper. A kennelled dog's
response to other dogs, including unneutered males, cats, and children is .
unreliable. Those exercised and assessed outside a cage provide a much
more accurate barometer;
, Clean in crate:
Lack of info re whether the dog is house (toilet) trained and attempting to
keep
clean whilst in an "unnatural" situation, i.e., kennel;
Obedience: Assessment of an animal's knowledge of basic commands such as sit,
.
down, stay, etc.
Oshawa's lack of human resou'rces (staff and volunteer) greatly diminish an
abandoned animal's prospects.
Animals denied champions on the outside spEmd needless time in kennels and result
in a needless allocation of financial resources.
Please consider opening the OAS doors to volunteers and fosters and working
with rescues, other shelters and humane societies to provid~ optimal adopter
potential.
And please consider contacting Bill Bruce, the Director, Calgary Animal Services
whose initiatives have emptied his shelter--but not by euthanasia!
The City ofOshawa and its abandoned ani,mals DESERVE better!
- 30­
For further information, contact: Ariel Lang ., S. 14(1), Municipal Freedom
ofInformation and Protection
.ofPrivacy !!tcf
S. 14(1). Municipal Freedom ofInformation and Protection of Privacy Act From: ariel lang'
Subject: Fw: oshawa pound
To:[email protected]
Cc: "John Gray" <[email protected]>, "Rick Stockman" <[email protected]>
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 3: 11 PM
Hi Jerry:
The OAS does extremely well with its small band of employees! We addressed
the lack of volunteers at our meeting. Might you consider a "pilot" program ,if an
OFF-SITE reputable "rescuer" volunteered to act as Rescue Coordinator (that is
work closely with your staff and only REPUTABLE rescues) to find homes for
some of the dogs deemed difficult to re-home?
'
The Volunteer Rescue Coordinator would arrange for an external community
contact to visit the shelter 'to assess older dogs, those with health issues, and
those'
that have been at the OAS for a long time, in order to determine the best way to
help
the OAS move these dogs into forever homes.
,
If the program is successful, the Volunteer Rescue Coordinator could act as a
resource following the recruitment and training of a local volunteer.
The kinds of dogs the Volunteer Rescue Coordinator would champion, for
example, are the (see attached)8-10-year-old Border Collie mix A030871 and the
JRT mix. Because his rear end looks "bald" in the photo. Most people would
immediately think he would cost big bucks and take a pass on himl
Again, Jerry, I don't want to interfere, I merely want to HELP!
Best,
-ariel lang
~ ll..\.(,) MAfPA.
From: ariel lang " ~.
_' __ Subject: BC mix at OAS A030871 To: "Jerry Conlin" <[email protected]> Date: Monday, September 13, 2010, 2:57 PM Hi Jerry: I have learned about this dear old border collie mix at your shelter. I am currently trYing to find him a forever home. Jerry, could you please keep him SAFE? Grateful thanks, -ariel
,
P.S. We are ALL anxiously awaiting publication of Bill Bruce's book. In the meantime,
Nathan Winograd's "Redemption" might be a useful resource for the OAS
S. 14(1) Alu ..
fI
' ,tVII me/pal Freedom
o n~ormatJon and Protectio
ofPnvacy Act
n
From: ariel lang . Subject.Thank yoU! To: "Jerry Conlin" <[email protected]> Cc: "Rick Stockman" <[email protected]>, "John Gray" <[email protected]> Date: Friday, September 10, 2010, 12:42 PM Hi Jerry: Thanks so much for your speedy response! The email was a "heads up" from a potential adopter -- a great "forever" home for
one of
your "difficult to home" older dogs. Her experience with OAS mirrors some of the
concerns
that I expressed during our meeting.
Glad to hear about your kennel improvements. Assume the dog with Parvo has
been
isolated? Is it okay?
Yes, I am extremely pleased that you will share my concerns with members of your
recently-formed OshawaAnimal ConsultativeCommittee~ When is your first
meeting?
I, or one of my colleagues, would consider it a privilege to speak at a Committee
Meeting.
Calgary Animal Services is, unquestionably, the prototype for Canadians. Following
input
.
from my rescue colleagues, I'll forward a Shelter Resource Guide for "kiCk-starting a campaign, i.e., shelter resources, recruitment, and organization of volunteers. Jerry; I'm cognisant that your staff do the very best possible with the resources at
their
disposal. Know that many people want to support the OAS in any way it can.
Please let me know how I can assist and please keep me posted.
Regards,
-ariel lang
.s ,l-.l(·), 4P1f1-f'P-
From: ariel lang [mailto ::!> ,n.I:(, ),IAl"'(PfA
8:22 PM
adopter!
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010
To: Rick Stockman; Jerry Conlin; John Gray
Subject: A potential OAS
Hello Rick and Jerry: I have been anxiously awaiting feedback re my comments following our recent meeting. I was sorry to learn about yet another parvo outbreak at the OAS. I am forwarding two recently-received emails. The first is a response to a rescue
focusing
on mature dogs in Kingston to a potential adopter of one of your homeless animals.
Have you had an opportunity to visit the Calgary Animal Shelter's numerous
1
websites? Look forward to hearing from you. Regards, -ariel lang
S. 14(1). Municipal Freedom
of Information and Protection
ot Privacy Act
From: Kevin Feagan<[email protected]>
To: ariel lang
d,(4V)
<ariellang( nJ?p;4'Cc: Melissa Galea <[email protected]>; Lindsay Darnley
<[email protected]>; Alyce McEachnie (Nee Collingwood)
<[email protected]>; Greg Scarborough <[email protected]>
Mon, February 28,2011 12:38:14 PM
Animal Services
Sent:
Subject: HE: Eddie: 5 mOl:1ths at Oshawa
,Hi Ariel:
Good to hear from you: Thanks for your interest in Eddie - please don't hesitate in
referritig him on to your contacts for adoption or fostering. I will have staff take a
more flattering photo of him for viewing.
Thanks,
Kevin C. Feagan, Manager
Department
2141
Municipal Law Enforcement Services
The Corporation of The City of Os hawa
Corporate Services
Telephone: 905-436-5636 Ext.
From: ariel lang [mailto:!, s .I~CI) i I'1M fI"n-_
Sent: Monday, February 21 , 2011 6:52 PM
To: Kevin Feagan
Cc: [email protected]; Jerry Conlin; Rick Stockman
Subject: Eddie: 5 months at Oshawa Animal Services
Hello Kevin:
I recently spoke with your assistant, Cathy, about Eddie, likely an Australian
Cattle/Border Collie cross, who has been at the OAS for five months!!! Five months is
an incredibly-long time for any dog, especially a herdirig/working mix who not only
needs a "job", but is also much more intelligent than most other breeds! (I had a Border
Collie for nearly 20 years!)
"
As you know, Kevin, photos and background info are the "primary" means of
attracting, adopters! Eddie is a good looking boy! Unfortunately, his photo does not do
him justice; it is very difficult to appreciate how handsome he really is. In the photo he
appears to have a hip/leg/back injury? Might you consider posting a new photo of him?
Incidentally, please advise Cathy that Petfinder's December admin problems were
solved before the end of last year. And in spite of the fact that the photos took a lengthy
time to load ,all other shelters and rescuers continued, to post successfully!
In an effort to give Eddie an advantage, a "good" photo, as well as his size using
the "knee-high" method, approximate weight and other pertinent information is
essential, especially, temperament and personality info, i.e., he's "good with" cats, other
dogs, children, etc. Additional info that "attracts" adopters (standard for many shelters)
includes: is he affectionate? does he shake a paw,fetch, roll over? etc.
Because ofthe extended length of time Eddie has been impounded, Kevin, I
implore you:
TO GIVE ME YOUR PERMISSION TO EMAIL EDDIE'S PHOTO AND INFO TO
SOME OF MY "TRUSTED" COLLEAGUES IN RESCUE TO HELP SEEK AN
ADOPTER ANDIOR POTENTIALLY, FOSTER PLACEMENT???
In Eddie's case, finding a foster experienced with herding breeds is essential. An
added benefit of a foster home (besides the obvious), is that all additional information
gleaned increases a dog's adoptability.
The reputable rescuers that'l work with provide: foster homes (kenneling is
unacceptable); veterinary care, as needed, including spay neutering; matches to
potential adopters with full disclosure regarding all pertinent info regarding the dogs
health and background; a veterinary reference and a home check of any potential
adopter; and a binding contract that the dog be returned to its placement rescue should
the adoption not work out for any reason!
Kevin, I just want to HELP' Eddie! I'm asking you to PLEASE give rescue a trial
run. Let's circulate an updated photo of Eddie and see what transpires through our
combined efforts to find this darling boy his forever home as soon possible!!!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards~
,
- ariel lang ,
S, N(,)
I
~fj
PP4
EXAMPLE OF INADEQUATE INFORMATION:
EDDIE - ID#A031247
My name is EDDIE.
I am a neutered male, tricolor Border Collie mix.
,
The shelter staff think I am about 6 years old.
,
I have been at the shelter since Sep 14,2010.
1
. II ang
From: ane
S.i'4CI)(MnI"'P(\.
__ _
To: [email protected]; councillor <[email protected]>;,
councillor_ [email protected]; [email protected]; cou [email protected];
cou [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; Kevin Feagan <[email protected]>; Jerry Conlin
<[email protected]>; Rick Stockman <[email protected]>; Melissa Galea
<[email protected]>; Lindsay Darnley <[email protected]>; Alyce McEachnie
(Nee Collingwood) <[email protected]>; Greg Scarborough
<[email protected]>
Sent: Wed, September 14, 2011 10:39:43 PM
Subject: Story from the thestar.com: What Cowtown's pound can teach Hogtown
If Calgary can do it, Toronto (and Oshawa) can tooll1
What Cowtown's pound can teach Hogtown
Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services covers its entire $5.3 annual budget through revenues raised, with no tax monies. You can view this story at: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1053251--what­
cowtown-s-pou nd-can-teach-hogtown 1
Comparison of Municipal Animal Adoption Services
Municipality
Oshawa Toronto
Monday to Saturday: Monday to Sunday:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Pickering
Monday to Friday:
8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Saturday:
8:30 am- 3:30 pm
Dogs: $230
Cats: $150
Dogs: $150
Cats: $100
Hours of
Operation
Adoption Fees
Adoption
includes
~
• veterinary health
check
• vaccinations
• spay/neuter
• microchip
• de-worming
• flea treatment
• rabies immunization
• 35 day pet
insurance
Dogs:
$210 neutered
$240 spayed
Cats: $90
• veterinary health
check
• vaccinations
• spay/neuter
• microchip
• rabies
immunization
• vaccinations
• spay/neuter
• microchip
• de-worming
• flea treatment
• licence
• 30 day pet
insurance
Whitby - Ajax
Monday:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday to Friday:
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Dogs: $50.85
Cats: $50.85
• vaccinations
• leash
• pet 10 tag
Clarington
Monday to Friday:
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday:
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Dogs: $95
Cats: $130
• vaccinations
• spay/neuter
• microchip
• licence
• 30 day pet
insurance
-_._­
it
3
?!o
lire
(") :::c
:::r1J
3(I) I\)
~
::::s
I
r+w
~CD