Cape Breton Branch Board of Directors Dissolved

For updates as the situation progresses, please check the Cape Breton Branch website found here.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nova Scotia (November 16, 2011) –– The Nova Scotia SPCA’s Provincial Board of Directors met on November 14, 2011 to review concerns and deficiencies in animal care, communication and engagement and adherence to policy and governance regarding the Cape Breton Branch. A motion was passed to dissolve the current Cape Breton Board of Directors for failing to engage and address outlined concerns and to take performance action necessary to bring the operations of the Branch up to required standards. All Branches are under the direct control of the Provincial Society.

Executive Director Kristin Williams of the Nova Scotia SPCA says “the Society takes animal care very seriously. Concerns and expectations were outlined in a routine visit to the Branch last month that resulted in some performance management and direction to address operational deficiencies. Public complaints have also been subsequently investigated. Specifically, the concerns were in respect to substandard cleaning protocols resulting in disease transmission to healthy animals, failing to monitor the health of the shelter population and address acute medical needs in a timely fashion, and poor customer service and engagement with volunteers. There is a zero tolerance for lack of compliance on our standards of care and our policies. The Society gave the Branch the opportunity to address these deficiencies at the local level. It is regrettable that such significant measures were required.”

The Society has sought legal counsel to address a civil disagreement that has emerged though additional specifics cannot be provided at this time. The Society remains committed to keeping the public informed.

The Society evaluates Branch animal care based on the standards of care published by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, published in 2010).

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MEDIA CONTACT

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902-835-4798

ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA

The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (Nova Scotia SPCA): Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of a network of Branches, which rely primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Act to Protect Animals and Aid Animals in Distress mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Nova Scotia SPCA is to prevent abuse, neglect and cruelty to animals, and provide for province-wide leadership on matters that promote and improve the welfare of all animals through animal protection; care and rehabilitation; humane education; advocacy and engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.