2011 Annual Report - Hamilton/Burlington SPCA

Annual
Report
2011
Speaking for those
who cannot speak
for themselves
our mandate
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is a private, not-for-profit organization
dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, the rescue and adoption
of homeless pets, providing support to keep animals in loving homes and
the development of respect, compassion and empathy
for every living creature.
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
Board of Directors
Dr. Michael Mogavero
Chair
Margaret Strecker
Vice-Chair
Annette Hamm
our vision
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA will be the community leader in animal
welfare, more specifically: animal protection, advocacy, adoption and
education. We will be an asset to our community and will contribute
leadership within the animal welfare movement at the community,
provincial and national levels.
Secretary
Celia Meikle
Treasurer
Jamie Anderson
Dr. Carol-Anne Devenne
our values
Dr. John McKenzie
We value a society where all life is cherished and respected.
We value the bond of trust and love between humans and animals.
We value the necessity to educate our children, our youth and our citizens
to respect all living creatures.
We value strong legislation protecting animals from cruelty and exploitation.
We value courage, commitment and passion in those working to make
the world a better place for all animals.
Maureen Moore
Cash
About:
Male dog—Labrador Retriever
5 years, Black
Found:
March 2011
Surrendered to the HBSPCA when the owners could not
afford medical care
Issues:
Recently hit by a car, severely broken leg
Treatment:
Amputation of left hind leg
Neuter, Vaccinations
Outcome:
Cash made a speedy recovery and adjusted well to life of
three legs. It took some time for Cash to find the right home
because he needed to be the only dog in his new home and
because large, black dogs typically take longer to find
homes.
Adopted June 2011
Attended HBSPCA Obedience Classes in 2011
Bernie Morelli
Frank Passaro
Karen Shea
message from the board chair
2011 was another busy year for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA and your Board of Directors. Thank you for your confidence and support this year as we
continue to rebuild the shelter’s reputation and the community awareness of our contributions to the Hamilton and Burlington area.
This year we focused on improving processes, policies and procedures for the Board of Directors to help this Board and future Directors focus on good
governance and future planning. A full complement of policies for the Board has been created, along with a full review of the HBSPCA By-laws, bringing
our governing documents in line with current legislation with an eye to the future. In addition, we have implemented a new members-only section on
our website in order to improve communication between Board, staff, volunteers and members and ensure necessary information is at our members’
fingertips.
2012 will be our 125th year and it is a wonderful opportunity to show off the amazing animals that receive a second chance at life thanks to our great
organization. I hope you’ll join us in the celebration and help us spread the word on how far the HBSPCA has come and where we’re headed next.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the animals of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Mogavero
Dallas
In May 2011, the halls of the HBSPCA came to life with beautiful bird songs!
On one day, our Animal Protection team rescued approximately 40 finches
from a hoarding situation. The birds were healthy, happy and ready for
adoption. Because there were so many, some of the birds were transferred to
other local no-kill shelters, while many stayed here to wait for their forever
homes. We are proud to say that all of these lovely birds found great homes!
About:
Male puppy - Shepherd mix
7 months, Tan and black
Found:
December 2011
Surrendered with a broken leg after a fall
down the stairs, owner cannot afford vet care
Issues:
Severely broken right hind leg
Treatment:
Amputation of right hind leg
Neuter, Vaccinations
Foster care
Outcome:
Adopted January 2012
message from the ceo
Another year has come and gone at the HBSPCA, we have continued to focus on the animals and
making their time here as healthy, comfortable and pleasant as possible.
This year’s annual report focuses on the stories of those animals. From the Companion Animal
Hospital to the Adoption Centre, every animal coming through our shelter has a story and we are
pleased to highlight a few that came into our care in 2011. Our shelter provides a safe, comfortable
temporary home and the loving care of our staff and volunteers, a commitment that continues until
the animal’s forever family is found and beyond. Whether they are with us for a few days or a few
months, our animals are our first priority and receive our very best care and compassion.
Another focus of 2011 is to begin to think about where the HBSPCA is headed next. As our building
ages and our programs and services expand, it has become more and more apparent that we need to
address our building and our space requirements soon in order to continue to save lives and provide a
comfortable, safe place for the animals in our care. In 2012, we will develop a thorough plan for
restructuring and renovation and just as important, how we will get there, specifically a capital
campaign.
Along with celebrating our 125th anniversary, I hope you will join us in 2012 as we embark on
this journey of a capital campaign and renovation and expansion of the shelter to ensure the
About:
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA will continue to serve our community for at least 125 more years!
All for the Animals,
Keith Scott, CEO
Trike
Female cat - Domestic short hair
1 year, Brown tabby
Found:
February 2011
Stray from Hamilton Animal Services
Issues:
Missing the front right leg, bone poking
through wound site
Treatment:
Sutures to repair wound site
Spay, Vaccinations
Foster care
Outcome:
Adopted March 2011
In May 2011, we were able to double our capacity for cats
by relocating the small animal room to the front of the
shelter and adding state-of-art, multi-level cat condos in the
new cat room.
The makeover was made possible by the Women’s
Committee Fund and cost approximately $14,800.00. The
new condos allow the cats to have several rooms to roam
through and can be made smaller when we have more cats
to house in the shelter.
adoptions
Cagney & Lacey
Hound sisters, Cagney and Lacey, came to the shelter in June 2011 as strays from Hamilton Animal
Services. They had been together all their lives and it was clear the dogs wouldn’t thrive if they were
separated. Although these girls were total sweethearts, slept adorably cuddled up and were twice the fun of
one dog, Cagney and Lacey were a tough adoption case for a few reasons:
1. We needed to find an owner willing to take on 2 new pets at once.
2. They were escape artists. They were known to jump over 6 foot fences and dig out
underneath taller ones to escape.
3. They were mischievous and egged each other on when getting into trouble.
Cagney and Lacey were adopted in July but quickly returned because the girls and their new owners
weren’t quite the right fit. They spent the next several months at the shelter while they waited for the right
family.
In October 2011, Cagney and Lacey finally found their forever home. It was a big celebration because they
were at the shelter for so long and our staff and volunteers grew so fond of them. Cagney and Lacey are
doing great in our new home and they joined us back here at the shelter recently for obedience training.
When we take animals in at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, we make a commitment to provide them food,
shelter and care until they find their forever home and this particular story, clearly shows this dedication no matter how long it takes!
Photos clockwise from top:
Cagney and Lacey in a photo by
volunteer HBSPCA photographer,
Ann Kearns; the girls snuggled up
in their shared kennel, Cagney and
Lacey and two of our student
volunteers supporting the HBSPCA
at the Wiggle Waggle Walk-A-Thon
in September 2011.
Animals Adopted from the
HBSPCA in 2011
471
Dog
97
Puppy
385
Cat
444
Kitten
38
Birds (budgies, finches,
cocktiels & parakeets)
25
Rabbit
15
Fish
9
Guinea Pigs
7
Rats
4
Mice
1
Degu
1
Hamster
1497
TOTAL
Ren
Ren’s is a touching story that shows that sometimes, all we need is a little time to let
our bodies heal!
Ren was adopted out in 2010 but returned in January 2011 because he began
defecating throughout the house, instead of using his litter box. Upon examination at
the shelter, we knew that something just wasn’t right. Poor Ren had a prolapsed anus
and little to no feeling in the area, which explained why he had taken to defecating in
other spots in the house. Over the next few weeks, Ren was treated by our medical
team and cared for by a foster family. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and our
veterinarian recommended that euthanasia might be the best option for Ren.
Throughout this painful ordeal, Ren remained a sweet, loving, playful kitten and our
team held out hope that Ren would recover. Very slowly we started to see
improvement and in March 2011, after 2 months of treatment, Ren was finally,
miraculously, ready for adoption.
We are pleased to report that Ren’s health is good and he is loving life with his new
family. While we don’t know what the future holds for him because of his fragile
health, we do know that Ren has a great family, willing to do what it takes to give
Ren the care and love he deserves!
Length of Stay
By the Numbers
Dogs & Puppies
10.7
10.6 Cats & Kittens
29.1 Rabbits
14.8
19.5
33.9
41.2
2.7
8.0
34.4
1.9
Guinea Pigs
Photos from top:
Ren, helping out on the computer; Looking handsome!; Dallas Green Before and After
Dallas Green
About:
Male cat - Domestic shorthair
1 year, Black
Found:
August 2011
Found in a ditch, came to HBSPCA as a stray
from Hamilton Animal Services
Issues:
Several open wounds all over his body
Maggots covering the wounds and throughout
his fur
Emaciated
Rats
Mice
Hamsters
Cockatiels
Finches
Budgies
Parakeets
Treatment: Maggots removed with tweezers, taking about
an hour
Flushing and disinfection of the areas
More maggots were removed later on
Neuter, Vaccinations
Foster care
Outcome:
After several near-death experiences, Dallas
Green made a miraculous recovery
Adopted August 2011
animal care
Pack Playtime!
This year our Animal Care team began organizing play groups for our shelter dogs. The
groups get together several times a day to play, either in the off-leash park with
volunteers or when they are rotated outside. There are numerous benefits to the dogs
as a result of the pack playtime, such as:
• Mental and physical energy is burned off through intense social
interaction
• Decreased territorial behavior within the shelter
• Decreased on-leash reactivity to other dogs
• Increase attention and focus on obedience training
• Rapid behaviour modification for fearful and aroused dogs
Photo: Six and Mark enjoying playtime in the off-leash park.
Community Assistance
Spay/Neuter Program 2011
The first full year of our Community Assistance Spay/Neuter program was
a roaring success with just under 800 animals altered through the
program.
Throughout the year, all scheduled surgery days were fully booked with a
waiting list of 1-2 months. Because of this, additional surgery days were
added throughout the year to manage the demand from the community.
This year we saw 134 individuals send multiple animals through the
program, ensuring that unwanted kittens and puppies would no longer be
born to these households.
We also started offering flea and de-worming treatments through the
program and approximately 95% of clients chose to purchase these
treatments in addition to their surgical costs.
Community Assistance
By the Numbers
117
Dog Neuters
90
273
316
Dog Spays
796
TOTAL
Zoolander
About:
Male cat, Domestic short hair
5 years, Orange & white
Found:
February 2011
Surrendered to Animal Protection Department
Issues:
Severely underweight
Frost bite on all 4 paws and both ears
Treatment:
Increased body temperature to normal
Treatment of frost bitten areas
Neuter, Vaccinations
Foster care
Outcome:
Adopted March 2011
Cat Neuters
Cat Spays
Trap, Neuter and Return Program
Trap, Neuter & Return
By the Numbers
Through the HBSPCA Trap, Neuter and Return program, and with the generous support of our
partner veterinary clinics, we spay and neuter hundreds of stray and feral cats, helping to ensure the
cat overpopulation in our community is under control and beginning to decrease.
HBSPCA staff members work with volunteer colony caregivers to locate and care for colonies of feral and
stray cats. Once located, the caregivers begin to humanely trap the cats. The cats are then brought to the
HBSPCA Companion Animal Hospital or one of our partner vet clinics, where they are spayed or neutered,
Rabies vaccinated, micro-chipped and ear-tipped, the universal symbol for a vaccinated, fixed feral or stray
cat.
Following surgery, the cats are released back into the colony where they will live out their natural lives,
without contributing further to the cat overpopulation. The HBSPCA and colony caregivers continue to
monitor the colonies and work to spay and neuter all of the cats.
While feral cats are generally fearful of humans and avoid human contact, we also see cats come through
the program that are friendly and adoptable. When this happens, we do not return the cats to their colonies
and once they have recovered from surgery, the cats are put up for adoption to find their forever homes.
In 2011, we received a $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada to help us administer our Trap,
Neuter and Return program. In order to achieve measurable results, we set a target area in downtown
Hamilton to focus our efforts on. The area was located from Sherman Avenue to Ottawa Street and
Lawrence Avenue to Burlington Street.
104
Target Area
173
Non-Target Area
25
Adoptable Cats Now
in Forever Homes
With Special Thanks to our
Partner Vet Clinics
The Cat Clinic
Chedoke Animal
Hospital
East Mountain Animal Gagemount Animal
Hospital
Hospital
Mountain Animal
Hospital
Spencer Creek Animal
Hospital
Village Cat Clinic
Although we focused on a specific area, we still worked with caregivers outside the target area to ensure as
many cats as possible were sterilized through our program to help control the cat overpopulation crisis in our
catchment area.
Companion Animal Hospital
Euthanasia
A no-kill shelter is defined as euthanizing no
more than 10% of animals taken in and never
for space—only for extreme medical or
behavioural reasons.
In 2011, 26 animals, of 1806 total animals,
were euthanized for extreme medical or
behavioral reasons, translating into just 1.4%
of our entire population.
Unfortunately, due to the cruelty situations they
were rescued from (hoarding, neglect, abuse,
etc.), humane euthanasia was deemed by our
Animal Protection department to be the best
course of action for a further 123 animals.
2011 was a great year for our Companion Animal Hospital. As you will read throughout this annual report, we
treated many complicated medical issues that would have been impossible for us to treat without having our own
hospital on-site. Without the HBSPCA Companion Animal Hospital, these animals could have had very different
fates.
Throughout the year, the hospital operated at least 5 days per week. While most of the animals seen by our
medical team were later adopted out, 1-2 days per week were set aside for Community Assistance Spay/Neuter
Program animals and we hosted several TNR MASH days throughout the year on Saturdays, often with a
veterinarian volunteering his/her time.
CAH Surgeries & Procedures
By the Numbers
796
Community Assistance Spay/Neuter
Program - Dogs & Cats
580
Adoptable Animal - Neuter
1528
79
71
Rabies Vaccination
583
78
164
Adoptable Animal - Spay
45
TNR Neuter
Dental Surgery
Wellness Exams
TNR Spay
Other Surgery
animal protection
One of the main functions of our HBSPCA mission is that we are dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, as well as the rescue and adoption of
homeless pets. This is achieved through our Animal Protection department, comprised of 1 inspector and 3 agents. Under the OSPCA Act and Criminal Code of
Canada, our officers have the authority to investigate cases of animal cruelty and prosecute those persons charged under these Acts.
The department receives tips from the community regarding cases of abuse and neglect, investigates and where possible, educates pet owners on proper pet
care and the importance of respect, compassion and empathy for every living creature.
Animal Protection
By the Numbers
HBSPCA Animal Protection Department
2011 Investigations
26
Warrants Executed
27
Charges laid
Under OSPCA Act, Criminal Code of Canada
63
Orders to comply under OSPCA Act
Ordered to provide vet care, adequate shelter, etc.
131
Animals removed
122
Owner surrenders
2914
Rechecks
116
98
91
84
69
90
89
77
65
66
72
64
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA win animal cruelty case;
Burlington farmer sentenced to lifetime ban on owning animals
On May 17, 2011, the HBSPCA won an animal cruelty case against Burlington farmer, William Sinclair, who was sentenced to a lifetime ban on
owning animals. The investigation began in June 2010 with an anonymous complaint regarding a cow in distress with extensive facial trauma.
HBSPCA Animal Protection Officers attended the address and served the animal’s owner, William Sinclair, with an order to have the animal examined
by a veterinarian. The veterinarian found the facial trauma to be an overgrown, cancerous and highly-invasive tumor. The prognosis of the animal was
grave and the vet recommended humane euthanasia as the best course of action for the animal.
On August 4, 2010, the HBSPCA charged Mr. Sinclair under the OSPCA Act with 3 charges:
• Causing an animal to be in distress
• Permitting an animal to be in distress
• Failing to provide veterinary care
Mr. Sinclair plead guilty to permitting an animal to be in distress and failing to provide veterinary care. The third charge, causing an animal to be in
distress, was withdrawn. As a result of his guilty plea, Mr. Sinclair was ordered to forfeit his remaining herd within 90 days and during this period,
allow HBSPCA Animal Protection officers to enter his property and inspect his herd.
In addition, Mr. Sinclair also received a lifetime ban on owning animals, the first ban of its kind in Burlington following changes to the OSPCA Act in
2009, one year of probation and a $500 fine for each guilty plea, totaling $1000.00. The remaining animals were transferred to other famers and
the HBSPCA Animal Protection department continues to monitor Mr. Sinclair to ensure compliance with the ban.
13 Pit Bulls seized
by HBSPCA Animal Protection Officers
In July 2011, 13 pit bull-type dogs
were seized by the HBSPCA due to
neglect from their owner, including
3 males, 2 females and 8 young
puppies.
After receiving several veterinary
opinions, the males, the puppies
and the mother of the puppies were
deemed to be, in fact, illegal pit
bulls. The other 2 females were
other breeds that are similar to and
commonly confused with pit bulls.
Heather (above) and her puppy were
adopted in August 2011.
Under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act, pit bulls were banned in Ontario in 2005.The pit
bulls were illegal, could not be adopted out in the province and would have to be
euthanized should an alternative not be found.
HBSPCA staff members acted quickly and contacted other shelters in neighbouring
provinces and in the United States. The mother and 8 puppies were transferred to the
Humane Society of Western Pennsylvania but it was more difficult to find space in
shelters for the other female and 3 males due to the time of year and the prevalence of
pit bulls in shelters.
In the meantime, the dogs were housed at Hamilton Animal Services. Unexpectedly, the
second female went into labour and began to give birth. After 2 puppies were born, it
was clear the dog was in distress. She was rushed back to the HBSPCA Companion
Animal Hospital where an emergency c-section was performed. The veterinarian found 2
more puppies inside. Unfortunately, only 1 of the puppies born that day survived.
That night, our medical staff felt it best that the living puppy be monitored overnight so
the vet took the puppy home. The mother remained at the shelter in the hospital. In the
morning, the puppy was successfully re-introduced to the mother and they stayed
together until they were ready for adoption. Both animals were adopted into loving
homes.
While it was difficult to place the male dogs in shelters, our patience paid off when they
were accepted by Animal Farm Foundation, a pit bull rescue organization in Duchess
County, New York. The dogs were found to have been beaten into submission by their
previous owner, which is horrific, but we were able to turn this negative into a positive.
The abuse caused the dogs to be extremely docile and obedient and they passed our
SAFER testing with flying colours. Because of this, the dogs were deemed by the Animal
Farm Foundation to be suitable for service training where they will assist children with
Autism and special needs.
This is a case that could have simply been resolved with euthanasia. But instead of
taking the easy way out, HBSPCA staff committed to finding the dogs a good home and
avoid euthanasia at all costs. We’re happy to report that all of the animals involved in
this case were adopted into loving homes.
Bella
About:
Female dog - Labrador Retriever mix
2 years, Blonde
Found:
June 2011
Surrendered to Animal Protection officers
Found leashed to bicycle and running
along behind on a broken leg
Issues:
Broken leg
Severe heartworm
Emaciated
Some aggression toward other dogs
Treatment:
Long-term foster care to let leg heal (June
-October)
Aggressive heartworm treatment
Spay, Vaccinations
Outcome:
Available for adoption October 2011
New family will need to commit to Bella’s
special needs around her leg: keep on
good footing, non slip surfaces
recommended; swimming would be a
great option to continue to strengthen her
leg
Adopted January 2012
Fitting in well with family, including
canine siblings!
Happy & healthy
humane education
At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, we take our educational mandate very seriously! The best
way to create a world where all animals are valued is to start with the kids and because of this,
we offer a variety of educational programming for animal-loving youth. We sincerely believe that
through education, we can stop animal cruelty before it ever happens. While we have many kids
participating in our programs and camps at the shelter, we also take our show on the road,
offering our educational programming to classrooms and groups all over the Hamilton and
Burlington area.
This year, we formed a new partnership with Brock University researchers, doctors Christine
Tardiff-Williams and Sandra Bosacki. By visiting our summer camp, they investigated the
connection between children’s experiences in our summer camp and their development of a
more empathetic and positive interpretation of the perspectives and behaviours of animals and other people. We look forward to the findings of their study,
coming sometime in 2012.
This summer, our camp made front page news in the Hamilton Spectator! The Spectator graciously sponsored several kids to attend our summer camp this
year through their Summer Camp Fund. In August, a Spectator reporter and photographer tagged along with us on a field trip to the Donkey Sanctuary of
Canada. The article, “Donkey Doody Duty Builds Character” and front page photo helped spread the word about the benefits of our educational camp.
Thank you Hamilton Spectator for helping us spread the word!
Humane Education
By the Numbers
63
Apprentice Training
27
Elite Youth Programs - K9 Krew, Special Adoptions Unit,
Cat Stewardship Initiative, Critter Room Crew
64
Junior Humane
69
Camp Leaders-in-Training
48
March Break Campers
248
Summer Campers
32
Birthday Parties
51
Educational visits to classrooms and groups
21
HBSPCA Tours
1500
Youth reached through tours and visits program!
350
Adults reached through tours and visits program!
Photos from top:
Summer camp fun with alpacas!; Bunny love for HBSPCA Apprentices; Making new friends
at the Donkey Sanctuary
7000
Volunteer hours contributed to HBSPCA through
child & youth programs in 2011
volunteers
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA wouldn’t be the same without the dedication and hard work of our network of
fantastic volunteers. Rain or shine, 365 days a year, our volunteers show up at the shelter ready to do what it
takes to make the lives of our animals safe, clean and comfortable. From dog-walking to cleaning, catcuddling, fundraising to recovering animals in our hospital, our volunteers do it all and do it so well. Thousands
of hours are donated by the volunteers every year and all they want in return is the satisfaction of knowing
they made an animal’s life better because of our work. And they do make our animals’ lives better every
single day!
Volunteers work very hard in the shelter, but they are also out in the community representing our organization
in the best light. Several of our programs, including Pet Encounter
Therapy, Trap, Neuter and Return and our Bereavement group simply
would not exist without the support and expertise of our volunteers.
In April 2011, the HBSPCA hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to
thank all of our tireless volunteer staff members. Staff cooked and
served a beautiful dinner and waited on the volunteers hand and foot.
We also recognized individual volunteers for their years of service with
commemorative flowers that we hope our volunteers will cherish for a
lifetime.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
Photos from top: Delicious staff-made cupcakes at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner; Annette Goar,
Lorraine Howitt and Tracy Bozko enjoy the thank you event; George Morrice aka George Clooney is a
VIP at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Lieberman
About:
Male dog - Doberman Pinscher
8 years, Black/tan
Found:
September 2011
Surrendered to Animal Protection department,
owners can’t afford veterinary care
Issues:
Grapefruit sized tumour on toe
Treatment: Removal of tumor and amputation of toe
Foster care
Outcome:
Adopted by foster family, September 2011
Now a volunteer with the HBSPCA Pet
Encounter Therapy program, visiting retirement
homes, children with special needs and
HBSPCA Summer Camp
thank you donors
2011 was a successful year for the Development team as we
continued to build our special events and fundraising appeals and try a
few new things.
At the HBSPCA, we receive no government funding so we rely
entirely on revenue from adoptions and other programs and the
generosity of the community in order to continue the work we do.
Thank you to the thousands of wonderful, generous
donors who make our work possible everyday!
Here’s a summary of HBSPCA donations and support in 2011:
Appeals
$128,107.00
Special Events
$89,651.00
Lotteries
$335,597.00
Donations
$491,637.00
Bequests
$506,717.00
Photos from top: Agility demos at the Wiggle Waggle Walk-A-Thon, September 11, 2011;
An adoptable dog looking for a new home at Wiggle Waggle; Cool cakes and hot dance
moves at the HBSPCA Sock Hop in April 2011; Hera and Cody, Rescued! Calendar Contest
winners, covering the 2012 calendar; Nightmare on Elmore was a huge success, donating
over $2000 to the HBSPCA.
Thank you to our
Corporate Sponsors!
dr. jean rumney award
Dr. Anna Perlikowski
1967—2011
2011 Recipient of the HBSPCA Dr. Jean Rumney Award
Dr. Jean Rumney was a veterinarian who worked tirelessly for animals in our
Hamilton/Burlington community. She was former Chair of our HBSPCA Board
of Directors and she is an inspiration to our current Board.
This award in Dr. Rumney’s name honours those who have shown
outstanding commitment and dedication to the Hamilton/Burlington
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and to the animals and
the community we serve.
Dr. Anna Perlikowski was similar to Dr. Rumney in so many ways so it is fitting
that we honour Dr. Anna in 2011.
Shelter medicine was very close to Dr. Anna’s heart. She came to work for the
HBSPCA in September 2009 and she was an integral part of the launch of our
Companion Animal Hospital that winter. Dr. Anna was also a longtime donor to
the HBSPCA.
Dr. Anna’s kindness and compassion were legend. She was determined and
very resourceful, providing high quality care to all of the animals in our shelter
and giving animals a chance when others wouldn’t know how. Dr. Anna was
the perfect combination of strength and kindness.
Sadly, Dr. Anna Perlikowski passed away on July 9th 2011 but she will be
remembered for her compassion to all living things and her generosity.
Dr. Anna is still missed around the shelter but we are constantly reminded of
her work and philosophies when previously adopted animals visit the shelter
and share their success stories.
In recognition for her many years of service to animals and
the dedication, enthusiasm and love
she brought to her duties at the HBSPCA every day,
the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is proud to honour
Dr. Anna Perlikowski
with the 2011 Dr. Jean Rumney Award.
Photos from top: Dr. Anna in the shelter; Dr. Anna with a favourite pet;
Pomeranians were one of Dr. Anna’s favourite dog breeds so it was only fitting
that Chaz pose in the memorial chair the staff purchased in memory of Dr. Anna.
message from the treasurer
2011 was a strong year for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA). The annual excess of revenue over expenses increased from $91,599 in 2010
to $226,574 in 2011. This success was achieved from a $351,881 reduction in expenses, which was partially offset by a $216,906 reduction in
revenue.
From a revenue perspective, our program fees were negatively impacted by reductions in both our fundraising income, and our adoption numbers,
especially dogs. For the first several months of 2010, we were still importing dogs from around the province but ceased to do so in the latter half of
the year, instead, we focused our efforts on the strays and abandoned dogs from our catchment area. We also experienced a reduction in the holding
capacity for dogs when we lost the extra space that Hamilton Animal Services had provided to accommodate the Louisiana dog importation. Therefore,
the 2011 adoption revenue reflects a normalized position, and will likely remain steady into the future.
Additionally, the revenue from the Spring and Fall Lotteries were higher, however, this was offset by a corresponding decrease in the income from the
Nevada lottery. The monthly and online donation programs were flat year over year, while our other donation sources experienced a decline, the impact
of which was an overall decline in donations. Our income from events was significantly lower, as the Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon was less successful
than in previous years. Despite a year over year decline, our annual bequests continue to be strong, and are expected to remain so going forward.
In terms of expenses, we experienced significant savings across the board, following a thorough review of all annual expenditures, where we focused
on our major contracts to ensure that we obtained the best prices for our organization. In addition, several expense categories were lower due to a
decrease in corresponding revenues within our animal care department. Further, a reorganization and realignment of staff responsibilities resulted in a
reduction of salaries, wages and benefits, which bolstered our cost saving efforts. It is interesting to note that there has been no corresponding impact
on the levels of service provided to the community.
We would like to draw your attention to Note 8 of the financial statements. The year over year increase in Administration salaries resulted from 2010
vacant positions being filled in 2011. It is also important to note that notwithstanding the breakdown of salaries and wages by functional area, all
members of the staff perform vital functions for our organization, which directly or indirectly benefit our animals significantly.
The Board of Directors is pleased to see the progress the HBSPCA has made in reducing its annual operating deficit, though we acknowledge it will
continue to be a long process to get to an annual surplus. The HBSPCA’s financial goals for the future will focus on raising revenue from all existing
sources while looking to generate new revenue streams through the redevelopment of the shelter.
All for the animals,
Celia Meikle
Sprocket
About:
Male dog - Labrador Retriever mix
5 years, Black
Found:
October 2011
Stray from Hamilton Animal Services
Issues:
Tumor on hind leg
Treatment: Removal of tumor
Extensive bandaging and cleaning
Lengthy recovery as his incision site healed
Outcome:
Adopted December 2011
The Hamilton
Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals
Financial Statements
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Contents
Page
Independent Auditors' Report
Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Position
1
Statement of Operations
2
Statement of Changes in Fund Balances
3
Statement of Cash Flows
4
Notes to Financial Statements
5-8
To the Members of
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Independent Auditors' Report
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the financial statements of The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011, and the statement
of operations and changes in fund balances and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and for such internal control as
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those
standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's
preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness
of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
In common with many charitable organizations, the Society derives revenues from fundraising and
donations, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly,
our verification of this revenue was limited to the amounts recorded by the Society and we were not able
to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to revenue, excess of revenues over expenses,
assets and net assets.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion
paragraph, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as at December 31, 2011, and its financial
performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles.
April 10, 2012
Chartered Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
SB Partners LLP, Chartered Accountants
3600 Billings Court, Suite 301, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N6
T 905 632 5978 866 823 9990 F 905 632 9068 sbpartners.ca
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2011
Operating
Fund
Current assets
Cash and bank
Accounts receivable
Inventory
Prepaids and deposits
$
63,630
22,042
9,111
$
-
$
179,692
-
94,783
-
179,692
Investments
35,128
-
2,314,178
Capital assets (Note 3)
-
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness (Note 4)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred grant revenue
1,925,896
$
129,911
$
$
15,485
111,413
26,521
$
153,419
Deferred government assistance (Note 5)
1,925,896
-
153,419
$
$
$
2,493,870
-
-
2011
$
-
-
-
-
Women's
Committee
Fund
Capital
Reserve
Fund
Capital Asset
Fund
179,692
63,630
22,042
9,111
2010
$
170,469
74,734
23,703
42,009
274,475
310,915
24,809
2,374,115
2,207,816
-
1,925,896
1,928,628
$
24,809
$
4,574,486
$
4,447,359
$
-
$
15,485
111,413
26,521
$
120,975
13,937
-
-
153,419
134,912
843,353
-
-
843,353
878,774
843,353
-
-
996,772
1,013,686
2,518,679
2,297,375
Net Assets
Internally restricted (Note 6)
-
Unrestricted
-
(23,508)
Invested in capital assets
-
-
1,082,543
(23,508)
$
129,911
2,493,870
1,082,543
$
1,925,896
24,809
-
-
-
-
2,493,870
$
2,493,870
(23,508)
1,082,543
24,809
$
24,809
86,444
1,049,854
3,577,714
$
4,574,486
3,433,673
$
4,447,359
Approved on Behalf of the Board
Chair
Treasurer
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-1-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Statement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Operating
Fund
Revenue
Appeals
Bequests
Donations
Events
Grants
Investment and other
Lotteries
Membership and merchandise sales
Program Fees
$
Expenses
Advertising and promotion
Animal care fees
Bad debts
Building repairs and maintenance
Communications
Computer maintenance and supplies
Employee benefits
Equipment repairs and maintenance
Insurance
Interest, bank charges, and investment fees
Memberships and dues
Office and postage
Other operating expenses
Professional fees
Program awards and supplies
Salaries and wages (Note 8)
Travel and hospitality
Utilities
Vehicle
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses before other items
Amortization of capital assets
Amortization of government assistance
Gain on disposal of assets
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses
$
128,107
491,637
89,651
42,983
16,489
335,597
7,072
523,306
$
-
Women's
Committee
Fund
Capital
Reserve
Fund
Capital Asset
Fund
$
506,717
99,318
-
$
-
2011
$
128,107
506,717
491,637
89,651
42,983
115,807
335,597
7,072
523,306
2010
$
144,931
540,557
507,098
119,879
41,223
103,295
337,775
7,402
682,738
1,634,842
-
606,035
-
2,240,877
2,484,898
73,253
139,991
5,601
53,805
28,944
55,786
154,682
16,046
26,321
28,973
6,878
48,513
10,002
39,027
187,035
1,010,006
10,283
56,509
18,981
-
43,667
-
-
73,253
139,991
5,601
53,805
28,944
55,786
154,682
16,046
26,321
72,640
6,878
48,513
10,002
39,027
187,035
1,010,006
10,283
56,509
18,981
103,580
222,268
15,998
70,094
51,165
48,018
195,139
17,740
27,969
71,710
6,510
60,162
15,848
78,435
196,077
1,121,833
9,806
54,490
26,457
1,970,636
-
43,667
-
2,014,303
2,393,299
-
(335,794)
-
(91,787)
35,421
17,700
562,368
-
(335,794) $
(38,666) $
562,368
$
-
226,574
(91,787)
35,421
17,700
$
187,908
91,599
(106,901)
35,421
$
20,119
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-2-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Statement of Changes in Fund Balances
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Operating
Fund
Fund balances, beginning of year
$
$
(335,794)
225,842
-
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses
Transfers
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Fund balance, end of year
86,444
$
Capital
Reserve
Fund
Capital Asset
Fund
(23,508) $
1,049,854
$
(38,666)
71,355
1,082,543
2,242,447
Women's
Committee
Fund
$
562,368
(267,078)
(43,867)
$
2,493,870
54,928
2011
$
24,809
$
187,908
(43,867)
(30,119)
$
3,433,673
2010
$
3,577,714
3,291,190
20,119
122,364
$
3,433,673
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-3-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Operating
Fund
Cash flows from operating activities
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses
Charges not involving cash
Amortization of capital assets
Amortization of deferred government assistance
Other comprehensive income
Gain on disposal of capital assets
$
Capital
Reserve
Fund
Capital Asset
Fund
(335,794) $
-
Women's
Committee
Fund
$
-
2011
$
187,908
2010
(38,666) $
562,368
91,787
(35,421)
(17,700)
(43,867)
-
-
91,787
(35,421)
(43,867)
(17,700)
106,901
(35,421)
-
$
20,119
Net change in accounts receivable
Net change in inventory
Net change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Net change in other operating working capital balances
(335,794)
11,104
1,661
(9,562)
45,482
-
518,501
-
-
182,707
11,104
1,661
(9,562)
45,482
91,599
(33,249)
(1,591)
(170,133)
3,567
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
(287,109)
-
518,501
-
231,392
(109,807)
Cash flows from financing activities
Transfers
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments, net of proceeds
Purchase of capital assets
Proceeds on disposal of capital assets
Cash flows used in investing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
225,842
71,355
(267,078)
(30,119)
-
-
225,842
71,355
(267,078)
(30,119)
-
-
(6,575)
-
(89,055)
17,700
(189,843)
-
30,119
-
(166,299)
(89,053)
17,700
(162,782)
(1,740)
13,456
(6,575)
(71,355)
(189,843)
30,119
(237,652)
(151,066)
(6,262)
(260,873)
(67,842)
-
61,580
-
52,357
-
118,112
-
170,469
431,342
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$
(15,485) $
-
$
179,692
$
-
$
164,207
$
170,469
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:
Cash and bank
Bank indebtedness
$
$
(15,485)
-
$
179,692
-
$
-
$
179,692 $
(15,485)
170,469
-
$
(15,485) $
-
$
179,692
$
-
$
164,207
170,469
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
-4-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2011
1.
Nature of operations
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the "Society") was established
in 1887 with the objective of providing an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to
animals. The Society is incorporated under the Corporations Act of Ontario as a not-for-profit
organization without share capital.
2.
Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements of the Society have been prepared by management in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles within the framework of significant
accounting policies summarized below:
Fund Accounting
The Society, which follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions, uses several
funds to record its transactions.
The internally restricted funds include amounts that have been restricted by the Board of
Directors to help ensure the long-term financial stability of the Society. Certain donation
revenue and investment income earned on internally restricted funds are recorded as revenue of
the restricted funds. If the Board determines that an amount from the Operating Fund should be
allocated to the Capital Reserve Fund or Women's Committee Fund, or that the Capital
Reserve Fund or Women's Committee Fund should be made available for the operations of the
Society, the amount is recorded as a transfer between the appropriate fund and the Operating
Fund.
All other revenues and expenses of the Society are recorded in the Statement of Operations in
the Operating Fund.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, balances with banks and short term deposits
with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition.
Revenue recognition
Unrestricted donations are recognized as revenue when received. Restricted donations are
deferred and recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are recognized.
Inventory
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value with cost determined on a
first-in, first-out basis.
-5-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2011
2.
Significant accounting policies (cont'd.)
Capital assets and amortization
Capital assets are recorded at cost. Contributed capital assets are recorded at fair value at the
date of contribution. Amortization is provided as follows:
Computer equipment
30% straight-line
Computer software
30% straight-line
Office equipment
10% straight-line
Building
2.5% straight-line
Shelter equipment
10% straight-line
Animal hospital equipment
10% straight-line
Vehicles
40% straight-line
One-half the normal rate of amortization is provided for in the year of acquisition.
Contributed services
Volunteers contribute a significant number of hours per year. Because of the difficulty of
determining their fair value, contributed services are not recognized in the financial statements.
Income taxes
The Society is a non-profit organization registered under the Income Tax Act (the "Act") and,
as such, is exempt from income taxes and is able to issue donation receipts for income tax
purposes. In order to maintain its status as a registered charity under the Act, the Society must
meet certain requirements of the Act. In the opinion of management, these requirements have
been met.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense during
the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Financial instruments
The Society has designated its cash and cash equivalents as held for trading, which are
measured at fair value. Accounts receivable are classified as loans and receivables which are
measured at amortized cost. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are classified as other
financial liabilities which are measured at amortized cost. Investments are designated as
available for sale which are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized
in the statement of changes in fund balances.
-6-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2011
3.
Capital assets
Cost
Land
Building
Computer equipment
Computer software
Office equipment
Shelter equipment
Animal hospital equipment
Vehicles
$
221,191
2,269,250
287,720
134,125
109,121
233,182
76,575
111,850
$ 3,443,014
4.
Accumulated
Amortization
$
715,022
284,218
134,038
103,428
194,225
16,043
70,144
$ 1,517,118
2011
$
221,191
1,554,228
3,502
87
5,693
38,957
60,532
41,706
$ 1,925,896
2010
$
221,191
1,610,911
6,636
1,103
6,442
12,265
64,879
5,201
$ 1,928,628
Bank indebtedness
The organization has a $100,000 borrowing facility available at prime plus 1.0%, repayable on
demand. The facility is secured by a general security agreement.
5.
Deferred government assistance
Deferred government assistance - shelter
Deferred government assistance - animal
hospital
Accumulated amortization
2011
2010
$ 1,147,346
$ 1,147,346
175,160
(479,153)
$
843,353
175,160
(443,732)
$
878,774
Government assistance received for the construction of the premises in 1996 and the
Companion Animal Hospital in 2009 has been accounted for on a deferred basis. Amortization
is provided for using the same method and rate as the respective building.
6.
Internally restricted Women's Committee Fund
In 1998, the Women's Committee Fund was established to earn investment income and to make
funds available for members of the public that demonstrate a need for assistance with animal
care costs and building a more humane society. The fund was created by the Board of
Directors in recognition of the outstanding long-term commitment of the Society's Women's
Committee. The current board approved endowment portion of the fund is $24,809 (2010 $54,928).
In the current year, management and the Women's Committee approved the use of the entire
Women's Committee Fund for activities and infrastructure for the benefit of animals.
-7-
The Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2011
7.
Capital disclosures
The Society considers its capital to be the balance maintained in its fund balances. The primary
objective of the Society is to invest its capital in a manner that will allow it to continue as a
going concern and to achieve its mandate as stated in Note 1. Capital is invested under the
direction of the Board of Directors with the objective of providing a reasonable rate of return,
minimizing risk and ensuring adequate liquid investments are on hand for current cash flow
requirements. The Society is not subject to any externally imposed requirements of its capital.
8.
Salaries and wages
Salaries and wages expensed by function are as follows:
Administration
Development
Protection, adoption, and program
2011
2010
307,187
110,324
592,495
262,795
124,904
734,134
1,010,006
1,121,833
Administration salaries and wages represent 16% (2010 - 11%) of the Society's total operating
expenses.
9.
Contingencies
Pursuant to a Funding Agreement with the City of Hamilton (the ‘City”) dated February 9,
1995, the Society agreed to use the property at 245 Dartnall Road for the Objects of the
Society and also to provide animal control and animal welfare services to the City. Among the
terms and conditions of the Agreement is a provision that, in the event the Society ceases to
provide animal control and animal welfare services to the City, the City may require that the
property be sold or transferred to the City. The Society would be entitled to, in the first case,
33% of the sale proceeds, or, in the second case, 33% of the fair market value as determined by
agreement by the parties or by an appraiser selected by the parties.
Effective January 1, 2004, the City of Hamilton assumed delivery of the animal control
program previously delivered by the Society in the Communities of Ancaster, Dundas and
Hamilton and specific persons employed by the Society for animal control purposes became
employees of the City. As a result of this, the Society recorded a $1.1 million net adjustment to
capital assets and fund balances to reflect the anticipated transfer of capital assets to the City.
This matter has not yet been resolved and consequently, no further adjustments have been
made to the financial statements.
10.
Financial instruments
The Society's financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, investments, and
accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The estimate fair value of cash, accounts receivable,
and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate carrying value due to the relatively
short-term nature of the instruments. Investments are measured at fair value. Unless otherwise
noted, it is management's opinion that the Society is not exposed to significant interest,
currency or credit risks.
-8-
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
245 Dartnall Road
Hamilton, Ontario L8W 3V9
T. 905-574-7722 F. 905-574-9087
www.hbspca.com