Ontario SPCA Kenora/Dryden Branch sheltering operations suspended following lengthy review
Ontario SPCA
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Newmarket, ON, (November 20, 2007) – Animal sheltering operations at the Ontario SPCA Kenora/Dryden Branch will be suspended as of January 31, 2008 while the Ontario SPCA restructures its services.The suspension of shelter services in any community is regrettable. The Kenora/Dryden Branch, like those of the Ontario SPCA’s network of other shelters across the province, is entirely funded by the communities it serves. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of supporters within the community, the Branch has acquired an enormous deficit which is too large to maintain.
The decision was the result of a combination of factors, including the deficit, a year long internal Ontario SPCA review of the Branch’s location and operations, ongoing feedback from the Kenora and Dryden community regarding the location of the shelter, and unique challenges within the region unaddressed by the current animal welfare model.
It is important to the Ontario SPCA that our Branches are accessible and visible at the same time as being located where the community feels it is appropriate. The Ontario SPCA has begun the service restructure reassessment process and is committed to working with the community to determine an animal welfare model that will best meet the needs of the area.
Over the next five weeks animals awaiting adoption will be transferred to other Ontario SPCA and Humane Society adoption centres.
Investigations services will continue to operate in Kenora and Dryden and the Society will continue to respond to animal cruelty and neglect complaints.
“The Ontario SPCA’s goal is to service communities in a practical and sustainable manner,” says Kate MacDonald, Ontario SPCA CEO. “A shelter must maintain the highest quality of services, as well as meet community expectations and requirements. While we regret the need to suspend animal sheltering services at the Kenora/Dryden Branch, it is the only option available to us at this time. We thank the staff, supporters and volunteers who have helped give countless animals the opportunity to find a new home and a happy life. We look forward to working together in the future to determine the best welfare model for the area.”
Media Contact:
Kristin Williams
Public Relations Manager
1-888-668-7722 ext. 305
Cell: 905-853-2108
kwilliams@ospca.on.ca
————————————————————————————————————————The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Branches and affiliated Humane Societies relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy, and public education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Ontario SPCA Provincial Office, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR3 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1 • 1 888 ONT-SPCA (688-7722) • www.ontariospca.ca • info@ospca.on.ca
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
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