February 8, 2012

The Humane Society Great Makeover

Putting personal politics aside to care for creatures in distress

Allegations of animal suffering, poor management and lost or misplaced donation dollars has led to the suspension of the Toronto Humane Society’s Ontario SPCA affiliate status, pending an ongoing investigation. Volunteer president Tim Trow is at the heart of the conflict with former staffers cursing his name and protest groups calling for his dismissal. We asked, is there anything THS can do to weather the storm?
 

Marcie Laking - THS Protest Group

The public’s trust needs to be regained. One of the big things is not accounting for donors’ dollars. I think it’s very important for people to have a detailed account of where the money is being sent. The Humane Society doesn’t tell people where they’re spending their money, and at times, they even fail to acknowledge donations or provide receipts. If you gave a donation to a organization and then they turned around and said you never gave it, would you ever give again? I wouldn’t. People have a distaste for the Humane Society right now. The place is capable of magic, if it’s reformed. They need to upgrade their skills with the general public. With the right people working inside, there are going to be big changes.

Warren Kinsella - Political strategist

The THS has been the focus of far too much melodrama and internecine warfare in recent years. They need to rebrand. They need to make the case to the citizens of Toronto that their priority is animals in distress — first, now, and always

Daphna Nachminovitch - Cruelty Investigations, PETA

There is no place for personalities and politics in responsible animal sheltering, and low euthanasia rates mean nothing when animals are still dying in prolonged and painful ways. Animal shelters are here to serve as safe havens, and the safety and well-being of animals must always come first. Of course, people who are upset by animal homelessness can help prevent it by never buying from pet shops or breeders, adopting from animal shelters and spaying or neutering their animal companions.

Ian McConachie - Senior THS Representative

During their [the OSPCA] inspection of our facility they found very little to make note of. We think that the majority of the public who have visited the facility and are members remain supportive. The allegations in the Globe & Mail were from ex employees and people who had a gripe ... they do not accurately reflect the work done here.... We still do adoptions, we still take donations. We have a whatever it takes policy. We'll do whatever it takes to help animals.... That's going to continue.

Marna Gale - B.O.B. Rescue/Adoption Agency

The only thing that can be done is get him [Trow] out of office. That’s about getting to the members and getting them to vote at the next AGM. That’s the problem. He keeps staying because he keeps winning by proxy. People need to vote. And this is not a personal vendetta. I’m not going back there. [Gale was a staffer at THS.] My concern is for the welfare of the animals. We need to reach current board members and get fresh new faces and thinking in there.

This article appears in the August 2009 issue of Post City Magazines

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