Nova Scotia SPCA Quarterly NewsletterIssue 2, November 2008Click here to view print version in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. In this edition:
When a large apartment building in Dartmouth caught fire on September 24, 2008, the Nova Scotia SPCA was there to help. "I live near the apartment building, and when I saw what was happening, I knew the SPCA should lend a hand," says Diana Forrestall, Manager of the Nova Scotia SPCA Metro Shelter. Diana called five other SPCA employees from the shelter and the Society's Provincial Office, who helped gather cat carriers, food, litter, dishes and blankets for the displaced feline residents. Many of the apartment dwellers escaped from their homes with their cats in the arms, and the carriers provided by the SPCA allowed them to safely transport their cats to appropriate shelter. SPCA staff also recorded the names, apartment numbers and phone numbers of people who were not able to escape with their pets. Once the fire was extinguished, the fire fighters went into the apartments to rescue the remaining cats and deliver them safely to the SPCA, saving six cats. SPCA staff were waiting outside, ready to the take the cats to the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic to be checked and treated for smoke inhalation and eye irritation. Throughout, SPCA employees kept the anxious cat owners informed of their pet's whereabouts and health status. The apartment residents showed their appreciation with a standing ovation for the SPCA the next day at the emergency shelter where they were staying. While some residents were able to take their cats to stay with friends or family once the cats were treated, others residents had to stay at the emergency shelter set up by the Red Cross at the Dartmouth Sportsplex. Kennel space was made available at the Metro Shelter for those displaced kitties. "Too often, the SPCA is called to intervene in cases where owners have abused or neglected their pets. It was great to be able to help these pet owners who cared so deeply for the safety and wellbeing of their cats," says Roger Joyce, Chief Provincial Investigator for the NS SPCA and part of the team who responded. SPCA staff received a standing ovation from the apartment residents for the help they provided. As a result of the successful collaboration between the SPCA, local firefighters and the Red Cross, the organizations will be working together on developing emergency response plans so they will be even better prepared next time such a situation arises. In addition, the Disaster Animals Response Team (DART) of Nova Scotia, which coordinates responses to large-scale disasters such as forest fires and floods, has invited an SPCA Board member to sit on their Board of Directors to help identify ways in which the SPCA can support disaster responses.
The Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia SPCA is pleased to announce the creation of an arm's length Compliance and Ethics Committee, which will be chaired by the Compliance Officer. This initiative is part of a larger transformation of the organization in recent months, aimed at making the Society's workings more transparent and accessible for all members and the public. The Board has created a Code of Conduct that outlines acceptable standards of behaviour to which all Directors, staff and volunteers will be held. Following a six-week recruitment campaign, Petra Mauerhoff was appointed to the volunteer position of Compliance Officer. Petra brings to the position years of senior management experience in a variety of settings relevant to compliance work, and hopes that the establishment of this position will go a long way to help reassure the public that anyone involved in the SPCA is being held to a Code of Conduct. The Compliance Officer position exists to facilitate communication between the public and the Board; review and direct compliance issues to appropriate resources for investigation and resolution; act as a last resort where concerned parties may communicate after other formal channels and resources have been exhausted; and to provide guidance to Society Directors, staff and volunteers seeking advice on compliance issues. Petra will chair the Compliance and Ethics committee, which will consist of up to four additional members from the public. An incident reporting form has been developed that is available through the Nova Scotia SPCA website, the Metro Shelter and the Provincial Office. The form provides a process whereby anyone can report violations of the Society's Code of Conduct, by-laws or policies by Board members, staff or volunteers. Reports will be reviewed by the Compliance Officer and the Compliance and Ethics Committee, which will investigate the complaints and present recommendations for action to the Board of Directors. Petra hopes that the creation of the committee will allow the Board to get back to focusing on the important work of the Society of "speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves." Individuals interested in serving on the Compliance and Ethics Committee are encouraged to contact Petra at complianceofficer@spcans.ca.
Puppy mills and puppy brokers have attracted the attention of both the local and international media in recent months. Here in Nova Scotia, stories of fatally ill puppies being sold to unsuspecting families angered the public and greatly upset the puppies' owners. On a larger scale, an exposé on puppy mills on the Oprah Winfrey show revealed the horrors of these operations to millions of viewers. Yet many Nova Scotia residents remain uninformed about puppy mills and puppy brokers, and do not recognize that by acquiring puppies through such means, they are supporting the continued operations of these businesses. It is easy to be swayed by cute puppies peering out from behind the back of a truck or from behind the window in a pet store, but the disturbing truth behind these cute faces should not be ignored. Puppy mills exploit dogs to make money by caging female dogs and breeding them constantly. They are continuously either pregnant or nursing puppies. They often do not receive vet care, human companionship or affection, and are kept in unsanitary conditions without protection from heat or cold. Since the mother receives no care, the puppies can be sick, sometimes dying with hours or days of being purchased. Puppy brokers are "middle men" (or women) who purchase puppies from puppy mills and re-sell the puppies for a profit. Puppy brokers often set up shop in parking lots, selling puppies out of the back of a truck or van. With the increasing popularity of online classifieds, the market for puppy brokers has expanded considerably. Ads for purebred puppies abound on sites such as Kijiji, where it is easy to deceive potential buyers. Often a simple Google search of the seller's name will reveal their history and reputation, but many people trust what they read in advertisements and do not conduct their own research. Sadly, federal and provincial laws do little to prevent these businesses from operating unless proof can be found of cruelty or neglect, the perpetrators found guilty in court, and bans or prohibitions ordered and enforced. The power to end the cycle of misery lies with an informed public: if people stop buying puppies from pet stores and puppy brokers, they will be forced out of business. Pet stores that sell puppies and kittens inevitably acquire those animals from puppy and kitten mills, helping to keep the mills in business. Reputable dog breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores and responsible pet stores do not sell puppies or kittens for profit, but rather partner with humane societies to serve as satellite adoption centres. The Petcetera store in Dartmouth Crossing is an excellent example of such a partnership, with their cat adoption program that enables the SPCA to find more homes for our adult cats. The Nova Scotia SPCA encourages adoption as a humane alternative to purchasing pets. SPCAs are often overflowing with young and adult animals who deserve loving new homes. Often, adoption fees include vaccinations, microchipping, and the pet's spay or neuter operation, making adoption not only a humane option, but an affordable one as well. For those interested in a specific breed of dog or cat, there are many breed-specific rescues that can help match adopters to lifetime companions. The Nova Scotia SPCA also supports acquiring pets from reputable breeders who take responsibility for their animals for their entire lives, educate and screen potential new owners, and provide follow-up support after purchase or adoption. To learn more about puppy mills, visit http://stoppuppymills.org or www.nopuppymillscanada.ca or www.nopuppymillscanada.ca. Contributed by the Queens SPCA Queens County has a population of about
11,000 and its largest town, Liverpool, has a population of about
3000. In 1994 a small group of these residents concerned about
animal welfare in the county got together and decided that something
had to be done to help the animals here and so the Queens County
branch of the SPCA was founded. Fourteen years later the group
- including some of the original members - is still going strong,
still concerned, still doing what they can with what resources
they have. Queens SPCA receives no government money of any sort and relies on fundraising efforts and public donations alone to keep going. This year a giant yard sale was organized in the spring, a lemonade stand was done during the summer's Privateer Days, a kitchen party is in the works for late October, and a quilt raffle will take place in December. Last year over 100 spays or neuters were sponsored by the group, and 86 homeless pets were found new homes. This year, as every year, those numbers will increase. Last year too, an initiative was taken to begin helping some of the county's feral cats. These cats and kittens were once someone's pets or descendants of someone's pets. Three or four local colonies were identified that local residents agreed to care for, therefore trapping, spaying or neutering, and returning were done. This will ultimately decrease the populations. This is still a learning process. Traffic, disease, winter, wild animals, and people, are factors in the equation too. QSPCA is always looking for new members or new volunteers who are happy and willing to be team players. The work never ends. But the group is grateful every day for the support and good wishes it receives from the community it works within. And the animals helped are the inspiration to keep going.
The Nova Scotia SPCA welcomes Jennifer Stewart-Cadman as the new Fund Development Officer for the provincial office. Jennifer has over 20 years experience with government and non-profit organizations and is no stranger to working with volunteers, fundraising and organizing events! Jennifer has worked with numerous organizations and groups including the Deep River Summerfest, the Juno Awards, Blue Nose Marathon, NS Music Week and Atlantic Canada's Family Expo to name a few. "I am looking forward to working on
the Society's traditional fundraising events and introducing new
activities and events throughout the year. This is a busy time
of year with a number of fundraisers in the works from now until
Christmas. As with any non-profit organization, volunteers are
at the heart of our success. The SPCA is always looking for new
volunteers for a variety of jobs and tasks, including working
at our fundraising events. I see the Fund Development Officer
position as a great opportunity for me to help make a difference
in the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves." Jennifer
is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the SPCA's many
dedicated volunteers and looks forward to welcoming new volunteers
in the coming months. A Safe Cat is a Happy Cat: Keeping Your Cat Indoors When you adopt a cat, you commit to keeping them healthy and safe. The only way you can truly do this is by keeping your cat indoors. Cats are domesticated animals that rely on their human caregivers to love and protect them. The benefits of keeping cats indoors are many; the disadvantages are none. The statistics speak for themselves: indoor cats live an average of 12.5 years. Cats that roam free outside live an average of only 2-5 years, which reflects the precarious environment that outdoor cats face. Cats that are allowed outside are at risk of:
Roaming cats who are not spayed or neutered also contribute to cat overpopulation. To help ensure your indoor cat lives a happy life, not just a long one, improve their indoor environment by:
If your cat has become used to being allowed outdoors, you can help them become an indoor cat by following the suggestions above for creating a fun indoor environment. The easiest time to begin keeping an outdoor cat indoors is in the late fall, when the outside world is a bit less exciting to a cat. Once you have made the decision to keep your cat inside, stick to it, and be prepared to endure their persistent meowed objections. Letting them out for even a short time will only make the transition more difficult.
The Nova Scotia SPCA is looking for volunteers with teaching experience to review and select material for an outreach program for children and youth, and to help train volunteers in the Halifax area to deliver the content. In addition, the Education Committee is looking for a qualified, dedicated and proactive individual to take the lead in coordinating the outreach program by becoming the Chair of Outreach. We are also looking for volunteers who can help deliver the program once it is in place. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities with the Education Committee, visit www.spcans.ca/what_we_do/education.html, or contact the Education Committee Chair, Mary Hill, at education@spcans.ca. Five Things Your Dog Should
Know Whether you want a pooch you can let off-leash at Seaview Park or one who can stroll with you along a busy harbourfront boardwalk, there are five key life skills that will get you there. With a little digging you will find a trainer who can help you perfect these skills. Whether you are looking for personalized one-on-one training, small classes in a relaxed environment or larger classes with more real-life distractions, all of these options are available in Nova Scotia. Be sure to consider what teaching methods suit your personal style when you are choosing your trainer. Dogs don't come pre-programmed to understand human language or any basic obedience so a good trainer will help you develop the skills to communicate clearly with your dog while building a strong bond. When you first start training your adopted dog, start off in a quiet environment like your living room or backyard. Once your dog is responding to your requests immediately, take your show on the road. Just remember as distractions increase, your expectations should decrease and you will have to reward good behaviours more often so that your dog understands exactly what you want him to do. Now onto those essential life skills! #1: A Fast Response to Their Name<br> Before you can give your dog any guidance, you have to have their attention. Teach your dog a speedy response to their name. Make sure you don't waste your dog's name by repeating it over and over, with idle chitchat or by using it if you are correcting a behaviour. Your dog's name lets him know it's time to stop catching up on the latest pee-mail and time to pay attention to you. To play the name game, start off with your dog on a loose leash. Say his name and as soon as he turns around and looks at you, let him know what a good job he has done. If he does not respond, back away from whatever is distracting him, until he turns around and looks at you. Keep your movements smooth and gentle. Only jerks jerk! Resist the urge to repeat your dog's name as you are backing up. When we repeat ourselves, our dogs learn that the words we are saying have no real meaning and will not understand them. When your dog finally does look at you, let him know how happy you are with his choice. #2 Come When Called Many dogs become expert pullers because they are rewarded by getting to explore all of the exciting things at the end of a tight leash. If you would like to stay out of physiotherapy, start playing the red light, green light game. If your dog is pulling, stop walking forward and wait for the leash to become loose and reward your dog by walking forward again. If your dog has become a master puller, it may take you an hour to get around the block but with consistency your dog will quickly understand the rules of the game. Be sure to reward your dog when he is walking on a loose leash. For excessive pullers, you may want to jumpstart your training with a head halter like the Gentle Leader or harness like the Easy-Walk Harness. Stay away from retractable leashes if pulling is a problem for you. Your dog will feel a constant tension in his leash as he moves forward and think pulling is the correct way to walk. 4. Bomb-proof Stays Once your dog can sit, down or stand on command, gradually increase the length of time you want him to maintain the stay and intensify the distractions. Get creative with your distractions and try to incorporate things you are likely to run into out on your walks. If your dog leaves the stay before you have said it is OK, decrease the amount of time or the distractions so that you can build on success. 5. Give (Even if You Really Don't Want
to) As long as your dog has not developed any resource guarding, begin by hand feeding as many meals as possible to get your dog used to your hands around his mouth. Once you have established a trusting relationship, begin teaching a give command by trading an object that isn't very important to your dog for something he likes better. Remember to always trade up during practice so in an emergency your dog will be happy to give up what he has with the expectation that you will give him something even better. Life skills training doesn't have to be a drag and by incorporating it into your dog's daily routine, you will have a four legged friend you can take anywhere. Remember to make things fun to keep your dog engaged, happy and confident. While timing and consistency are important, you will be successful as long as you keep things positive and focus on rewarding the behaviours you love instead of trying to correct the ones you don't like. Got a question about dogs or dog behaviour? Email the newsletter editor at education@spcans.ca and your question might be answered in a future column!
The Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia SPCA is comprised of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, six to twelve Directors-at-Large, and ten branch representatives from across the province. The Board meets monthly to discuss issues related to animal cruelty investigations, finances and fundraising, educational initiatives, public relations, branch developments, and the operation of the Metro Shelter, which also falls under the responsibility of the Nova Scotia SPCA. This Board Notebook feature provides a summary of the Board's activities and decisions during the past three or four months to keep Society members, supporters, and the general public informed about the work of the Nova Scotia SPCA. July At the Board's second meeting in July, Board member position descriptions were reviewed and approved, including detailed descriptions for the roles of President and Vice President. The recruitment and selection process was determined, with the goal being to fill as many positions as possible at the August Board meeting. In an exciting step forward for the Metro Shelter and the Provincial Investigations Office, creation of a Capital Campaign Committee was approved to research and eventually fundraise for a new shelter and investigations facility for the Metro area. For more information on how you can get involved with the Capital Campaign Committee, visit the NS SPCA website. August September At the Board's second meeting in September, the new Compliance Officer presented her plans for a compliance reporting process, which were approved by the Board. Another new Director at Large was appointed to the Board, bringing valuable knowledge in animal law. To further many of the initiatives on the Board's agenda, new working groups and committees were formed in the areas of policy review, trap-neuter-return (TNR) of feral cats, and budget planning for investigations. Branch relations was once again a central Board focus, with motions passed to adopt common branding, switch to quarterly reporting based on a standard report template, create a shared provincial register of people convicted of animal cruelty to allow the branches to identify and block such individuals during the adoption screening process, and to move towards a common information management infrastructure in the form of Pet Point software. The Public Relations Committee presented their recommendations for a short-term public relations strategy, which was approved. The strategy included reinstating memberships that were revoked by the Board earlier in the year, to demonstrate the Board's desire to dispel negativity and focus on the animals. The Board of Directors meets the last Monday of every month. You can now read approved minutes of Board meetings online at www.spcans.ca. |
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