6 7 Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services provides key resources to help protect animals To better serve animals across the province, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has introduced a new operational model to supply animal-related expertise as a support service to enforcement agencies, similar to the models of the ASPCA and HSUS in the United States. Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services provides animal-related expertise to municipal, provincial and federal law enforcement agencies. These services include collecting and processing forensic evidence to help build cases against animal abusers, on-site support providing animal care, including veterinary medicine, animal transportation, animal sheltering and the placement of rescued animals in homes or other suitable environments. Just as we have done since 1873, the Ontario SPCA will continue to provide animal protection services in the areas of animal rescue, animal sheltering and care, mobile veterinary services, animal advocacy and humane education. “We want to see a system in place that provides maximum protection for animals. The Ontario SPCA has been Ontario’s animal charity for over 140 years,” says Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our expertise, working as a support service to enforcement agencies, will be a powerful combination and we believe the right combination to best protect animals.” Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services provides animal-related expertise, such as animal care and veterinary medicine, to municipal, provincial and federal law enforcement agencies. First Northern Ontario Animal Summit shares collaborative solutions To identify challenges faced by Northern communities and work together to find solutions, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society brought together a diverse group of animal advocates in Sudbury for the first Northern Animal Summit. Held at Collège Boréal in October, the two-day event brought together thought leaders and influencers. Delegates listened to a panel discussion featuring Bruno Henry, a volunteer of the Wiky Rez Dog Volunteers; Hichem Rabie Anabi, Manager of the Veterinary Technician Program at Collège Boréal; Jennifer Farr, Medical Director and surgeon for the Welland & District SPCA Mobile Hospital; Magdalena Smrdelj, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society; Nikki Burns, founding president of the Northern Spay Neuter Program; Judi Cannon, Director of Partnership & Community Outreach at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society; Kirby Paul and Chelsea Chandler from Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay); Kristen Ferguson, Associate Professor of Education at the Schulich School of Education in North Bay and a lead collaborator of the AnimalSmart™ education series; and Kevin MacKenzie, Senior Manager for Leadership Giving at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. These experts shared their experiences, and possible solutions, on how to best support Northern communities. An exciting new concept was also introduced at the Northern Animal Summit that has the potential to revolutionize veterinary care in remote communities. Healthy Pets is Canada’s first solution for text and video-based medicine in veterinary care. The Healthy Pets program simplifies access to pet care through a convenient, on- demand and affordable tool that connects pet parents online to a trusted network of local veterinarians. A transfer from Northern Reach of 37 dogs and one cat arrived at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre during the summit. Delegates had the opportunity to observe the intake process and learn about transfers and how animals are safely transported. “There is so much great work being done in the North and it was truly inspiring to bring everyone together to discuss challenges, solutions and the future,” says Judi Cannon, Director, Partnerships & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Everyone has a role to play in creating healthy communities for animals and people.” A panel at the Northern Animal Summit discusses challenges faced by Northern communities. Friends come together to walk for animals in need Every August and September for the past 25 years, Lee Duguid has gone door-to-door to thousands of houses in communities surrounding Sudbury, and canvassed outside stores, to raise critical funds for animals in need. “A lot wait for me; they expect me,” says Duguid. “I’ve got a rapport with people now. I’m always smiling and joking and laughing. I’m very fortunate that I’ve made friends along the way; friends that I look forward to seeing every year.” Raising just under $100,000 to date, Duguid has been the top fundraiser in the province for the past 10 years for the Friends for Life! Walk™. The event raises funds for programs and services provided by Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres and participating humane societies. “There are so many people who love animals, but nobody has ever gone to them and said, ‘Hey, would you like to donate?’” says Duguid. “This is my opportunity to give them the opportunity to donate.” Duguid has three cats, two dogs, a parrot and a teddy bear hamster. She says she feels good knowing that her fundraising efforts are helping other animals. “Hopefully I’ll be remembered as the lady that had the heart for the Ontario SPCA,” she says. “Animals do so much for us.” Duguid wasn’t alone when she walked for animals on the weekend of September 22-23, 2018. Over 1,000 participants came together in 13 communities across the province, raising over $300,000 to support animal wellness programs and services. More than just a fundraising walk, the Friends for Life! Walk is a fun-filled day that offers something for everyone. “Thanks to the generous support of animal welfare champions, vulnerable animals are given the second chance they deserve,” says Jennifer Hughes, Manager, Ontario SCPA Sudbury & District Animal Centre. “By fundraising for the Friends for Life! Walk, you’re making life-saving work possible.” For more information, visit friendsforlifewalk.ca Enjoying the Friends for Life! Walk™ at the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre. Top Friends for Life! Walk fundraiser Lee Duguid and her fur family. iAdopt for the Holidays helps thousands of animals find loving homes Over 3,600 animals from participating SPCAs and Humane Societies across Canada found their forever homes during the 2018 iAdopt for the Holidays campaign, and were able to spend the holiday season with their new families. At Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province, close to 1,300 animals found their forever homes during the campaign. iAdopt for the Holidays, supported by Royal Canin®, kicks off each year on November 1 and runs until December 31 at participating SPCAs, Humane Societies and rescue groups nationwide. The goal is to place as many animals as possible into loving homes. Everyone who adopted a pet from a participating organization was entered into a contest to win free pet food for a year, courtesy of Royal Canin® Canada. The lucky winner was Melissa St. Louis from Ingleside. Her cat, Luna, is enjoying her prize! “Nothing brings joy to a home like the love of an adopted animal who has found a family to call their own,” says Elizabeth Westover, Manager, Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre. “With people having time off from work and being home together as a family, the holidays are a great time to welcome a new furry companion and help them get settled.” For more information, visit iadopt.ca After being transferred from Northern Ontario to find a new home, Meeko was adopted at the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre. News Updates in Animal Welfare News Updates in Animal Welfare