Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sad way to start a new year.

H/T to KC Dog Blog.



Fay has passed away. This poor, abused, wonderful dog.

Deepest thanks to the people at Mutts & Stuff for caring for Fay and trying to make her life better. She knew love in her last few months. More about Fay on the Pet Connection blog. RIP, little Fay.

Please try to help these animals.

Please look for the lost and terrified, and make people you know in the specified neighbourhoods aware of the lost animals.
Assistance with vet bills is ALWAYS needed by rescues. If you have any Christmas money, a few dollars would help some sad cases.

1. LOST CAT, SHAVED!
Bruno is a medium hair Brown Tabby with SHAVED fur on his body. He has hair on his head, tail and paws. He has GREEN EYES VERY TIMID. MAY RUN IF APPROACHED.
Last seen: Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. on Caribou Avenue.
Contact Fostering Felines Cat Rescue, call day or night (416)471-5570.

FOUND, NOW BACK AT HOME SAFE AND SOUND!!!!
2. LOST DOG (no picture):

RED, AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
(Small bit of blonde on top of head)
NAME / ANSWERS TO: “ZAPPA” or “PAKA”

3. DOGS NEED OUT OF SHELTER (no pictures):
Please cross post, all these dogs are sitting in a London area shelter and need some help!
In case you can help, please contact Barkin Rescue, teddyacres (at) yahoo.com [delete spaces, substitute @ for (at)]
a) MOST URGENT! Small terrier mix 8-10 lbs. under 1 yr. yorkie-schnauzer? white/blonde in colour. She arrived as a stray just before Christmas, in a horribly scared, physically neglected condition. Luckily she is under a year old still AND has already gained some confidence and improved since being in the shelter. Has injured front left leg, swollen above knee...won't put pressure on it, does not walk on it at all, she holds it up bent at all times. I've given her metacam as I assume it's very sore. She eats well, seems fine with other dogs.Treated for fleas. Alynn had been giving her meds to ease the pain as she had to remain in pound until today. Very nervous, but sweet none the less. Most likely puppy mill dog, red feet, covered in flea dirt, overall poor condition. Acts like she's never been exposed to a thing.
b)Male Shep. Gorgeous, pic does not do him justice,about 5 years. He is calm, well mannered and friendly. Getting incredibly stressed, has been in (over-crowded, some staff off) shelter for awhile...needs out. He does not like other male dogs, but staff says he likes female dogs(I have not witnessed this though). Great dog but does NOT do well with other male dogs. Well behaved, was great with Alynn's kids.
c)Gorgeous very large male yellow lab. about 1-2 years, appears pure. Extra large in size, seems like he's been an outside dog only, as he has no commands. He is very people friendly though and likes other dogs okay. Seems to have NO training, very strong and hard to handle. Will need experienced home.
d) Lovely med sized female husky, red and white, appears pure. Age approx 2-3? She is very well mannered and calm, likes other dogs and very people friendly, well behaved, easy to handle. Came in with the yellow lab as a stray, but not sure they were from the same homes as she has some command training.

4. MATURE DOG ADOPTIONS NEEDS HELP WITH VET BILL FOR RILEY!
Edited from e-mail...
The entire staff was so impressed with this little guy's attitude and temperament...he is obviously in pain, but during the exam he was giving kisses, even after that long ride. They think he is only about 2 years and he is 29 lbs. The injury is due to 'blunt trauma' (car or hit). The SAD news is that had he been to vet within the first 5 days, this dislocated femur could have been popped right back into the hip socket, and he would have been out of pain and fine long-term. But since it has been so long, the ligaments and tendons have adjusted to try to compensate, etc...and an expensive surgery where the 'ball' of the femur has to be cut off, everything repositioned, and some muscle relocated but then we rely on scar tissue to form to make the femur fit and operate well in the hip socket. This means 4 weeks of post-op only on-leash movement (they begin bearing weight in week 2, I think it will then be hard to keep a young beagle calm!) and physio work with him for about 10 min. 4x/day which I am 100% committed to.
Riley's surgery is Wed (plus his neuter). The good news is that he will have no long-term limitations and he will not be prone to arthritis in that joint, these dogs do really well long-term. I'm looking at at least $1500 assuming all goes well...so if anyone has any ideas for raising some funds for him, since you know him, I would appreciate it. I can issue tax receipts and there is a "Canada Helps" button on my home page for easy quick donations (they provide the receipt).
Website: Mature Dog Adoptions
Click on the Canada Helps button (upper right) to make an online donation and receive a tax receipt.



5. HELP QUINTE ANIMAL SHELTER WITH TWO LARGE VET BILLS!
Edited from e-mail...
I will be taking two dogs from Quinte Humane Society that both need surgery. I have been fundraising for the first dog and have raised most of the $1000 needed for his surgery. Now I am trying to raise enough money to also pay for the second's surgery. If anyone can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated. I will be needing foster homes for each dog post-op until they heal and are ready for adoption. If anyone lives in/near the Quinte area and have room/time please contact me if you would like to be considered as a foster for either dog. (quiet home, no children, experience with special needs)

Bear 6 yo Neutered GSD x
Bear was hit by a car on Dec 16. Bear
has a dislocated hip. Due to being left five days after the accident, he needs surgery to repair the damage. $1,000. Bear is a handsome, loyal, obedient and affectionate dog. His leg is currently tied up so he doesn't cause more damage, but he gets around great on 3. He is a good guard dog, and companion...and loves to cuddle and play with (chew) his toys. He is very curious when other animals come into the shelter. He is currently living in our office and happily greets visitors.

Sophie Adult Female Lhasa x
She was brought to the shelter on Boxing Day, sopping wet with her eye popped out. She was terrified and wanted to bite anyone who tried to go near her. I had to use bite gloves to get hold of Sophie the first time...in pain and scared and trusting no one. It was a short time before she was snuggled in my neck and holding on to me tightly. We have become close pals and I am very concerned about her. I am taking her to the surgeon tomorrow to see what his fee will be (our reg vet said $900 and that surgery is needed immediately.)

I am desperate to help these two wonderful dogs. If you can help in any way, I will be forever grateful and deeply appreciative. Thank you!!!

From the shelter's website:
The Quinte Humane Society will issue TAX RECEIPTS for all charitable donations.
Donations can be made in person or by mail. Cheques to be made payable to: The Quinte Humane Society, 527 Avonlough Road RR#2, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Just one dog. Just one thing.

I'm sitting here with tears running down my face....

Please watch this video. I have no idea of how to embed video, so I'm linking to One Bark At A Time. H/T to OBAAT for this.

Friday, December 25, 2009

We are in an abusive relationship with Toronto Humane

Something has been nagging at me....the refusal by the Toronto Humane Society board of directors to accept responsibility, the allegations of intimidation, bullying and sexual harassment made against directors, executives and managers, the lack of transparency, the board's "best defense is a good offense" behaviour....and then it hit me.

This is abuse.
I've seen friends in abusive relationships. The behaviour of the abusers was the same as the behaviour of the board of THS.

The board of directors of Toronto Humane is abusing the public, its donors, its employees and its volunteers.

There's something called "tone from the top". The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners has a good definition; "Tone at the top refers to the ethical atmosphere that is created in the workplace by the organization's leadership."

The Global Compliance website states, "An organization's governing body must walk the walk. Beginning from those rules and good practices set forth in the Code of Conduct, it is imperative that executives and management clearly display and demonstrate those attitudes and behaviors. Without management "buy-in," other employees will not take compliance and ethics related policies seriously."

CBS has a very interesting article on tone at the top and corporate governance on its BNet site which seems to have been first published in LawNow, authored by Julie Walsh. It highlights the need for ethical leadership, for "...the senior management team and board of directors to exhibit the values embodied in the code, effectively establishing the tone at the top." There is a very telling statement in this article: "Adopting a code is an important step in creating a corporate culture that strives to meet and operate in accordance with high standards of integrity and transparency."

What is the THS code of conduct, what are its ethics? Search the website and you will not find its code of conduct posted; does THS have one?

If there is no code of conduct, what values do the board of directors and senior management exhibit to the staff of THS and to the public? What is the tone from the top? That evasion and abuse are acceptable?

Toronto Humane Society is an organization with $9M in revenue and charged with the care of defenseless animals.

How can Toronto Humane Society possibly fulfill its mandate and be worthy of the public's trust if there is no ethical structure in place?


Oh, ya, Merry freakin' Christmas. One Bark At A Time has a slightly livelier view of this day.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

How much kitten food would a lawyer's hourly rate buy?

H/T to One Bark At A Time for this news.

The board of Toronto Humane is at it again, spending donors' dollars on legal fees like drunken sailors on leave. This bunch is so litigious, you'd think they were American.

Hmm, what is the hourly rate charged by a downtown Toronto litigation lawyer? $300, $400 or more an hour? How many hours does it take to write a statement of claim, file it, attend the discoveries, go to court before a judge, etc, etc? What does that come to, multiplied by a lawyer's hourly rate? Let's not forget the court filing fees, the court reporter's cost, the transcript costs...

To me, it comes to one hell of a lot of kitten chow. And veterinary care. And medications. And utility bills.

The THS isn't content to waste only its own donor dollars on legal fees. It's going to waste the OSPCA's money as well.

Enough is enough. End this roiling mass of insanity fueled by ego, while the animals continue to suffer.

Move all the animals out from under THS, and let THS fall into bankruptcy and oblivion. I hope employees can sue the directors personally for their wages. THS's day is done.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Might there really be a Santa Claws 'n Paws????

I really like the headline on this Toronto Star article....the Globe and Mail article is a bit more prosaic and is also stuck under Quebec, which puzzles me.

I wish the OSPCA the best of luck in trying to work cooperatively with the THS board. They're going to need it.

Ooh, Santa, I've been a reasonably good person, can I have what I want for Christmas, huhuhuh? Even if it comes a little late, like February 1st?

The board of directors of THS should avoid the embarassment of being booted out, behave honourably and call a members' meeting, submit their resignations and their undertakings to never again run for office in an animal welfare organization, and let the members elect a new, fresh board.

If the current board remains in office, I can see THS deteriorating to the point where the doors will have to be bolted shut. Forever.

The ball is in your court now, THS directors - Tim Trow, Bob Hambley, Stephen Dooley, Sandi Hudson, Pamela Inglis, Gino Innamorato, Alan Johnson, Valerie Jones, Carol Lupovich, Patricia McIlhone, Joan Milne, Laurie Overton, Delores Quasim, Alvin Tweten, Bud Walters and any others who aren't named on the THS Ontario public filing - to decide whether THS survives or dies and behave accordingly.

Let's see exactly what is more important to these people.

Update: I went back to the materials from the Toronto Humane Society AGM on September 30th, and Brenda Hind was a management candidate for the board. She's not named on a public information filing made in October '09. Was she or was she not elected to the board? Enquiring minds want to know.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Whoops, they did it again!

The powers-that-wanna-be at Toronto Humane Society are off spending donors' dollars on legal fees again....wonder what the bill for this action will be.

Here's a CBC report on the THS attempt to have the OSPCA search warrant quashed. Thank God, the areas housing animals are staying under OSPCA control.

Wazzamadda with animals receiving veterinary care, having their cages cleaned, getting exercise and affection?

How does the OSPCA search violate employees' Charter rights? That sounds like a real Rubberman stretch.

Why are the THS honchos objecting to the public nature of the OSPCA search? The only time someone objects to something being public is when they want to keep it hidden. Did the THS honchos not like having the suffering of animals under THS "care" exposed to the public? Did the THS honchos not like having the public know of the almost half million dollars spent on sabre-rattling?

What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result?

Hope the OSPCA downloaded everything it needs.

And once again..the only honourable thing is for the board of directors of Toronto Humane Society to immediately call a members' meeting, submit their resignations and their undertakings to never again run for office in an animal welfare organization, and then have a fresh board of directors elected.

Ya. Uh huh. Righto.

N.B. The membership portion of the Toronto Humane Society is still disabled, as it has been since August 2009. Gee, you'd think they don't want new members or something.

Monday, December 21, 2009

How to help animals at Toronto Humane

I received confirmation from the OSPCA that in respect of any monies donated through the direct deposit mechanism described below, if you provide the supporting documentation - the original bank receipt for the deposit together with your full name and address clearly printed or typed and your request for a tax receipt - and they tie it back to their bank statement, they can issue a tax receipt.

Mail your documentation to the OSPCA, Attention Manager Annual Giving, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR 3, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4W1

I recommend that you keep copies of anything mailed.

=========================================================

If you want to give a monetary donation, the OSPCA has set up something special. You can give goods, too, if you'd prefer.

Also, the Toronto Wildlife Centre took in the wild animals that were incarcerated at Toronto Humane and is a registered charity, I believe the Centre would appreciate any donations. You can learn more about the Toronto Wildlife Centre here.

OSPCA Press Release

Dec 15, 2009 12:30 ET
Public Can Support Vulnerable Animals at the Toronto Humane Society Through Contributions of Funds or Pet Supplies

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 15, 2009) - The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the staff at the Toronto Humane Society (THS) would like the public to know there are ways to directly help the various animals in need at the THS.

A bank account has been set up through TD Canada Trust to accept contributions, every penny of which will be invested to care for over 1,000 animals in need at the Toronto Humane Society (THS). This fund is not to be used in any way for legal fees or other administration costs not directly associated with helping animals.

Those wishing to contribute are invited to transfer funds to the following account at any bank:

TD Canada Trust account number: 5224209

Transit number: 0307

"Obviously, this has been a very difficult time for animal lovers with the ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty and mismanagement by senior staff and board members at the THS. But the community has come together to support the animals in need at the THS shelter, and this support is truly wonderful and inspiring, especially at Christmas time when people are very busy," said Kevin Strooband, lead investigator for the OSPCA. "If the public wishes to help the animals at the THS, we will make sure their contributions of money or supplies will directly help animals in need at this shelter."

A wide range of pet supplies would also be gratefully accepted and appreciated from the public. Supplies that are especially needed are:

- Straw

- Timothy hay

- Aspen shavings

- Food for less active rabbits

- "Rodent Diet"

- Six-foot-long nylon or leather leashes

- "Yesterdays News" cat litter

- Canary-finch bird food

- "Cover Cat" non-clumping cat litter

- Toys for cats and dogs

- Blankets

These items can be dropped off at the THS animal shelter at 11 River Street. The OSPCA will keep the public notified of any changes to this list of needed supplies through its website at http://ontariospca.ca/press_releases/2009/ths_investigation.html. For more information about how you can help the animals at the THS, please call 1-888-668-7722.

For more information, please contact
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Rosaline Ryan
Director of Marketing and Communications
(416) 428-9886 mobile

or

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Alison Cross
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
(905) 853-2108 mobile

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Just how stupid do the THS directors think people are???

I'm still enormously angry about THS wasting money on a full page ad, and am infuriated by an e-mail letter sent over Bob Hambley's name to members and donors. I find both to be insulting.

An anonymous writer (kept anonymous for the person's own protection from the overly litigious THS'ers, let's not waste more donor dollars) is on the Save the THS website. I think the letter is brilliant, read it here.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

How to help the animals at Toronto Humane Society

If you want to give a monetary donation, the OSPCA has set up something special. You can give goods, too, if you'd prefer.

Also, the Toronto Wildlife Centre took in the wild animals that were incarcerated at Toronto Humane and is a registered charity, I believe the Centre would appreciate any donations. You can learn more about the Toronto Wildlife Centre here.

OSPCA Press Release

Dec 15, 2009 12:30 ET
Public Can Support Vulnerable Animals at the Toronto Humane Society Through Contributions of Funds or Pet Supplies

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 15, 2009) - The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the staff at the Toronto Humane Society (THS) would like the public to know there are ways to directly help the various animals in need at the THS.

A bank account has been set up through TD Canada Trust to accept contributions, every penny of which will be invested to care for over 1,000 animals in need at the Toronto Humane Society (THS). This fund is not to be used in any way for legal fees or other administration costs not directly associated with helping animals.

Those wishing to contribute are invited to transfer funds to the following account at any bank:

TD Canada Trust account number: 5224209

Transit number: 0307

"Obviously, this has been a very difficult time for animal lovers with the ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty and mismanagement by senior staff and board members at the THS. But the community has come together to support the animals in need at the THS shelter, and this support is truly wonderful and inspiring, especially at Christmas time when people are very busy," said Kevin Strooband, lead investigator for the OSPCA. "If the public wishes to help the animals at the THS, we will make sure their contributions of money or supplies will directly help animals in need at this shelter."

A wide range of pet supplies would also be gratefully accepted and appreciated from the public. Supplies that are especially needed are:

- Straw

- Timothy hay

- Aspen shavings

- Food for less active rabbits

- "Rodent Diet"

- Six-foot-long nylon or leather leashes

- "Yesterdays News" cat litter

- Canary-finch bird food

- "Cover Cat" non-clumping cat litter

- Toys for cats and dogs

- Blankets

These items can be dropped off at the THS animal shelter at 11 River Street. The OSPCA will keep the public notified of any changes to this list of needed supplies through its website at http://ontariospca.ca/press_releases/2009/ths_investigation.html. For more information about how you can help the animals at the THS, please call 1-888-668-7722.

For more information, please contact
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Rosaline Ryan
Director of Marketing and Communications
(416) 428-9886 mobile

or

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Alison Cross
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
(905) 853-2108 mobile

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Donation drive for goods only for THS animals, and interesting fallout

The Save the Toronto Humane Society is running a donations drive for goods for the animals. You can leave donations at the shelter, 11 River Street, Toronto from 7 am to 7 pm any day, not just this Saturday and Sunday.

Editor's Note: The board of directors of THS spent almost half a million dollars on lawsuits and didn't buy cat toys, dog leashes, small animal cages??? Disgusting.
====================================================================

The Toronto Humane Society Protest Group is organizing a HUGE donation drive for the animals at the Toronto Humane Society this weekend! There are over 1000 animals at the shelter right now that need your help. The animals will really appreciate the donations and the staff and volunteers will put them to good use!

Between the hours of 7am and 7pm on Saturday December 12th and Sunday December 13th please drop off donations at the Toronto Humane Society. The address is 11 River Street, which is at the corner of Queen Street East and River St.

Here is a list of supplies that the animals in the shelter desperately need.

For the Dogs
- Used and new blankets. Please avoid down filled comforters as some of the dogs like to destroy their blankets. Feathers make a huge mess.
- Dog beds of all sizes.
- Good quality leashes and collars of all sizes. Please make sure they are strong. We wouldn’t want any dogs to break away from their collars while on a walk.
- Plastic basket muzzles of all sizes. Pit Bulls need to wear them on their walks.
- Plastic bags for the dog walkers
- Strong dog toys of various sizes. Kongs, and squeaky toys for the cages, frisbees and large rubber balls for the dog parks.
- Grooming supplies. Hair clippers, nail clippers, brushes, shampoo,

For the Cats
- Plastic cat toys. Plastic ones are better than fabric ones as the plastic ones can be disinfected properly. The cats and kittens have been living in small cages with almost no stimulation. Some of these cats have been at the shelter for years and would appreciate a toy.
- Towels and small cat beds for their cages.
- Powdered KMR (Kitten Meal Replacement).
- Large plastic litter boxes with no hood.
- Cat treats
- Grooming supplies like nail clippers and brushes.
- Metal Bowls (no plastic please)

For the little guys in the small domestics department
- Hideaways and Houses
- Hammocks
- Tunnels
- Toys
- Food
- Exercise wheels
- Water bottles that clip to the cage
- Cages of all sizes
- Bedding and Litter
- Fresh hay
Anything else you think that a rabbit, rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, or chinchilla would enjoy. Ping pong balls are apparently good.

Fallout: The board of the Georgian Bay Animal Rescue was dumped "amid allegations of neglect at two cat shelters maintained by the organization and a general lack of policies governing how the organization deals with animals in its care" during a recent members' meeting. Read about it in the Enterprise Bulletin. Note one member's comment: "In light of what's happening at the Toronto Humane Society, any directors responsible (for the neglect of animals) need to be removed from the board immediately," she said."

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Interesting thought on THS's sudden name change

I did some rummaging through press releases and note that Toronto Humane Society didn't add "Hospital" to its name until November 28th.

Perhaps someone should have mentioned it to THS's general counsel, who issued a press release for the Toronto Humane Society (sans Hospital) on November 29th.

A friend is doing some digging, for thits and giggles...stay tuned.

December 6th updates:

OSPCA press release entitled Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Finds More Evidence of Cruelty and Mismanagement at Toronto Humane Society.

Toronto Star article about THS unpaid bills and employees losing their benefits because the insurance bill wasn't paid.

On that full-page ad in Metro a few days ago (which kindasortasomewhat made me wanna hurl)...did anyone mention to Bob Hambley that this ain't about him? I don't give a flying fig if he's living in a cardboard box in the middle of the road, just like I don't give a flying fig what Tim Trow reads in his spare time.

I don't want bumpf like that full-page ad. Anyone know how many donor dollars that ad cost?

I want full, clear and honest answers on what exactly THS has been doing for the animals in its care, what exactly THS has been doing with its donor dollars, and what the board of directors has been doing while all this was going on. I want to know how many board meetings occurred in the last year, who attended, and how long the meetings lasted. I want to know why the AGM was such a travesty.

I want full accountability and transparency from the board of directors of THS.

Want to run a pool on whether I'll get what I want for Christmas?

It's "I forgot to take my psychotropic drugs" day on here!

The comments are getting to be most amusing.

Tips for comments:

1. Write your comments out before you post, and read them through to ensure they make sense. Read them out loud. Even if you have to move your lips to do it.

2. Pick one point. Stick to it. Stay linear, don't go circular. Convoluted comments give Social Mange a headache.

3. If you attempt to attack me, I'll enjoy it no end. Please, keep it up! Remember - I have absolutely no regard for your opinion of me.

4. One word. Spellcheck.

5. If you're reading this blog, you have too damm much time on your hands. Get out there and volunteer for something.

And people think I'm sarcastic. Hmpfh. What on earth would give them that idea?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Donating to the animals, and something sticking in my craw

This is straight from the OSPCA.

If you wish to donate and have the funds directed to the animal care at THS, please call Cathy Crouse at 1-888-668-7722, Ext. 322 and do this over the phone. Please ensure that you tell Cathy that this donation is for the animals at THS as we have set up a separate account strictly for this purpose.

Alternately, send a cheque or donate by credit card. Cheques should made payable to OSPCA with THS in the memo line and mailed to the OSPCA, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, R.R. #3, Newmarket L3Y 4W1. You can make the donation as a gift and have an acknowledgment card sent to the person in whose honour it is made and obviously including their address and your message. H/T to Joanne for this suggestion.

Alternately, the animals are in dire need of new or gently used towels and blankets, and small animal cages. If you donate goods, please take them to the 11 River Street, Toronto shelter.

Something is really sticking in my craw. News reports say that the Toronto Humane Society has hired a lawyer. If memory serves, the legal entity that is the Toronto Humane Society has not had any charges laid against it. The directors and executives are the ones who have been charged and require defense. Despite Ian McConachie's statement in the National Post about "our facility", it is NOT "their" facility. The directors are fiduciaries, custodians (servants, if you will) of the Toronto Humane Society and its property and charged with serving its mandate. The Toronto Humane Society does not belong to the directors.

BTW, who elected Bob Hambley as President? The THS by-laws don't provide for the Secretary-Treasurer to step in for the President. One person is the President, Secretary and Treasurer of a $9M organization?

Dictionary.com legal dictionary definition of fiduciary - one often in a position of authority who obligates himself or herself to act on behalf of another (as in managing money or property) and assumes a duty to act in good faith and with care, candor, and loyalty in fulfilling the obligation : one (as an agent) having a fiduciary duty to another

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pickin' crow feathers from my teeth....

...because I'm eating crow after yesterday's or today's stories about Ontario Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee investigating the Toronto Humane Society.

And now the Ministry of Natural Resources. Which apparently moved out all the wildlife.

And the Ministry of Finance. So far, no word on what their warrant is for.

Stay tuned.

Miscellany

HOT TIP - Buy a copy of the December 1st Globe and Mail. Actually buy the paper, don't just read it online. Show your support for the the paper that stuck its neck out and the journalist who went for the truth, to get the Toronto Humane Society conditions and management exposed.

Bandit. A dog that was failed by everyone in his short, sad life. The owners of his parents, who carelessly bred him. His first owner, who failed to train and control him. Tim Trow at THS, who failed to train and control him. Bandit has had a sad, sorry life that will probably be much shorter than it should. Because of human failure.

Someone pointed out that the THS website suddenly calls the place a "hospital". Oh, gee, if THS is suddenly a "hospital" (news to me, and many others), maybe THS will now neuter the animals before they adopt them out.

How much donors' money did Pell Capone's quotes in the papers cost? Enquiring minds want to know. Considering all the donors who have vowed not to give another cent while the current regime is in place, how does THS plan to pay for all its plans to go to court for this, and go to court for that?

Please read these lovely words from a wise woman.


Keeping Positive

for the Animals of the Toronto Humane Society



Hey Gang,

The past few days have been so emotional for all of us. The media coverage surrounding the events at the Toronto Humane Society is overwhelming and there is always the concern for sensationalism. That's why communication is so important in times like these. Communication and truth. But above all else, there must be love. Everyone has their own opinion about this horrendous situation. Emotions run high, accusations fly and anger runs deep. But, if we can just stop for a minute, put our egos aside, and remember what this is truly all about. Not revenge. Not competition. What matters is for us to come together and be there for animals that are counting on us now more than ever.

This past weekend, many of my friends joined the wonderful staff and volunteers of the Toronto Humane Society, putting aside their sadness and their pain that we've all felt over the last few years, to help the animals. They are my heroes. And as long as we continue to show this love above everything, we'll be successful in the only goal that matters - returning the Toronto Humane Society to the place it was always meant to be, a place where animals have a second chance.

Staying Positive for the Animals,
Your Devoted Rescuer,
Marna Gale
BIG ON BEAGLES (B.O.B)
An Assistance Agency for Beagles Experiencing Troubled Times
Proudly Mending the Hearts of Down-On-Their-Luck Beagles Since 2001

Monday, November 30, 2009

Helping animals....

Until some concrete answers come up about how to donate without donating to the directors' and officials' legal defense fund....

The animals at Toronto Humane Society desperately need clean blankets and towels. If you have good new or used items, please drop them at the 11 River Street shelter.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

McGuinty government dragging its feet. Still.

Newest allegation against Toronto Humane Society directors and executives is that cats were fed food that had expired six years ago. Dry food that old would be beyond rancid. Doesn't surprise me, with all the legal bills the THS executives were running up with frivolous civil suits. Priorities were a tad screwed up, methinks.

The Ontario Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee has refused to become involved. Quoted in the Globe and Mail, Brendan Crawley, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General, wrote in an e-mail Friday, “In situations where there is proof of misappropriation or misapplication of charitable funds, the Public Guardian and Trustee, under the Charities Accounting Act, may begin a court application for appropriate relief.”

Brendan, dearie, shouldn't the OPG conduct an investigation to see if there is misappropriation or misapplication? Is the public supposed to do OPG's work for it? What does it take to get the OPG off its ass?

Has the OPG ever sent the complaints it received about THS to the ministry responsible for corporate governance issues, the Ministry of Government Services (at least, that's the ministry responsible this week)? What is the Minister of Government Services (this week, anyway), Harinder Takhar, doing?

McGuinty's government is a collection of uncommunicative islands, with no regard for issues raised time and time again. It's also a place of stasis, where nothing happens unless McGuinty & Co. think it will garner votes.

Nooo, McGuinty and his minions would rather kill innocent dogs than save animals and a 100-year old public institution.

And the directors of THS would rather keep all its Trow-glodytes in place and sink the ship. So much for their expressions of concern for animals.

Crocodile tears.

Toronto Humane Society to review operations. YA THINK?

Isn't this rather like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted?

The Globe & Mail has an article entitled "Toronto Humane Society to review operations". The article states, "The society issued a statement Saturday saying it will hire a “well-respected expert in the field of animal care” as interim executive director."

Will this person be totally unrelated to the current regime at THS? Absolutely and provably third-party, objective?

I vote that THS hire Nathan Winograd.

Although....with what will surely be a dramatic decline in donations as people knee-jerk and withdraw financial support, paying legal fees for what I consider frivolous civil actions (I cannot see legal fees broken out in the financials or the CRA return) and paying for defense of the directors and officials charged, how much money will be left for all these plans?

How much money will be left for animal care?

Scuttlebutt - Rumour has it that a board director tried to get into the THS building today. I wonder why? Interesting. She didn't get in, btw.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Now is the time for people to rally behind Toronto Humane Society. For the animals.

As said time and time again, the Toronto Humane Society needs new leadership. The current board and executives need to resign and a new, clean slate elected.

The new board will have one heck of a hard road to travel - trust in the Toronto Humane Society has been badly eroded, if not eradicated - but with hard work, good communications and proof of improved animal welfare, they can restore the lustre to THS's reputation.

Now is the time for people to rally to save THS, whether it's by volunteering or by donating. The ship hasn't sunk, it just needs a new crew.

I think (someone with charities knowledge, please check and advise) that if you mark your donation cheque "For animal care only", the money can't be used for the legal defense of the directors and officials, but that would have to be checked. I'm sickened that the honchos were so complacent they didn't have D&O liability insurance in place, and public money donated for animals will be spent defending Trow & Co.

It is essential to hold a members' meeting as quickly as possible, vote out the existing board and vote in people who actually care about the animals, will act as true directors, true fiduciaries, who will use the public's donations for the animals and restore the lustre to THS's reputation.

http://www.reformths.com/

This should not be about reputations, egos or tempers. This should be about the animals.
For the animals.
Isn't that what Toronto Humane Society is supposed to be?



Donors' money to pay THS officials' defenses

This is absurd.

The Toronto Star has an article that donors' money will be used to pay the defense costs for Tim Trow and company.

I have no problem with the employees being paid; they are employees and entitled to their paycheques regardless of the legal issues right now.

Did the Toronto Humane Society not purchase directors' and officers' liability insurance, to cover costs in the event of a legal issue? Bob Hambley, the Secretary-Treasurer of THS and therefore responsible for corporate governance, should have known of D&O insurance and had it in place. There's also executive liability insurance, which would have covered the non-directorial personnel charged.

What happened to Ian McConachie, the THS communications person? Why is Hambley suddenly the source of quotes?

Friday, November 27, 2009

Stomach-turning find at Toronto Humane

A mummified cat was found in a live trap in the ceiling at THS.

According to the National Post, this cat was named Casper.

This poor creature died of starvation or thirst, probably calling and calling with a weaker and weaker voice. Until he died alone in the dark.

If you go to slide 5 of the Globe and Mail photo essay on THS, you'll see a statement that "cat colonies have invaded the ceilings, radiators, basement and even the Society's offices."

Who is the person who put a live trap in a ceiling and never checked it???? Or recorded the presence of the trap so someone would check it???? If I understand the writing in the National Post article correctly, the THS communications person Ian McConachie said, "“It should have been checked on a regular basis, I don’t know who was in charge of that or if that was a trap that was just forgotten about up there”. Just FORGOTTEN??? At an institution that is supposedly about animal welfare???? Go ahead, McConachie, keep digging that hole deeper. I won't need a reminder not to hire McConachie for crisis communications management.

I hope the THS bank accounts have been frozen so the officials and directors can't access the public donations for their defense costs.

Note: The OSPCA euthanized four animals on November 26th. Tim Trow is quoted in the Toronto Star as saying, "...a similar number of animals were euthanized on a daily basis while he was in charge of the society."

The numbers don't add up. Four euths a day X 365 days = 1,460 animals dead in a year. Give THS the benefit of the doubt and make it three euths a day. Three euths a day X 365 days = 1,095. How does that reconcile with the claim on the THS website that it euth'd 500 animals, apparently dogs and cats only? Was THS euth'ing tremendous numbers of wildlife? Or are the numbers on the THS website wrong? There is a real disconnect here.

Is this why THS squandered donors' dollars on a frivolous lawsuit against the OSPCA? To try to get a ruling that THS could operate without any oversight of its practices?

Where is the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee? As I recall, under McGuinty & Co. the OPG was accused of failing to take proper care of monies entrusted to its custody. The OPG has been told for at least three years of the problems at THS, and has sat on its freaking hands. A lawyer for the OSPCA hopes a supervisor will be appointed from the OPG. Not in my lifetime, boyo.

THS should have tried spending some of the money squandered on lawsuits on its actual purpose - animal welfare.

Including saving agonized Casper in the ceiling. Who died by inches.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Toronto Humane Society officials and directors charged with cruelty to animals

Read the Globe and Mail's article on it all....and let's hope that none of the THS directors and officials are allowed to use publicly-donated money for their defense.

Complete change of direction....Barbara Amiel has an excellent article on Macleans.ca entitled "Dogs are victims in a scary war". Well worth reading, Ms. Amiel is intelligent, thoughtful and makes very sharp points.

Tip of the hat to Brindle Stick for the Amiel article.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Collections and reflections

I was at Wednesday's event supporting Cheri DiNovo's bill to remove breed-specific language from the Ontario Dog Owners' Act. It was wonderful to meet all the lovely and loving bully dogs demonized by ulterior-motive politicians and media, and all their owners.

Contrary to propaganda, many, many of them are intelligent, sensible, responsible women.

These women have been called unprintable names, been harassed and assaulted, and had their lives made miserable by the Ontario McGuinty Liberals.

The article about the Bill on InsideToronto.com carries a remark of Ms. DiNovo's that really resonated with me. The Fibs' legislation encompasses animals with a broad snout, muscular, short chest and short coat and long tail. This definition is similar to 40 per cent of all dogs.

"If you took away the tail, you'd be describing most of the politicians at Queen's Park," quipped DiNovo.

Antonia Zerbisias has a great post on her Broadsides blog entitled Bully for Cheri DiNovo, with a link to Laura's story about moving to Ontario from the U.S. with no knowledge of the Liberals' "pit bull" ban. Be sure to read it.

One Bark At A Time has some lovely photos from the event. Be sure to scroll through the comments and read Fran's comment about the older lady and her "pit bull", it will bring tears to your eyes.

KC Dog Blog reports that Puerto Rico is the latest jurisdiction to repeal breed-specific legislation, and many others are following suit.

Dalton McGuinty is, of course, dancing around on this. He said the Fibs consulted dog experts. What he doesn't say is that the Fibs ignored the dog experts' advice. I believe the word to describe that is prevarication. He's fudging it.

I am profoundly disappointed by the responses from Liberal MPPs Laurel Broten and Kathleen Wynne. They're issuing goose-stepping form response letters. I expected better from both of them.

Ms. Broten owns a dog that under the Liberals' BSL is a definition (e) "pit bull". I can't see any specific exemption in the legislation or the regulations for a purebred dog. As I understand it, you must obey the law if you're not specifically exempted. Ms. Broten's dog is walked unmuzzled and in the past ran offleash. Does Ms. Broten not understand that under her own party's law, she should be obeying the law and always muzzling and leashing her dog?

Ms. Wynne, the Minister of Education, apparently believes that it is just fine to discriminate on the basis of appearance. That's rather frightening. Is this what will be taught in schools, that it's all right in Liberal-Land to discriminate because of the way something or someone looks? That does not strike me as an intelligent or informed opinion.

It is past time to repeal the Ontario Liberals' unfounded, unjust, inhumane, vague, shoddy and fiscally irresponsible breed-specific legislation. It's definitely BS L.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Stomach-turning news about shelters

KC Dog Blog has its usual terrific weekly roundup, including links from Nathan Winograd about shelters across the U.S. where the so-called humans in charge routinely starve and beat animals to death.

Humans don't deserve this planet. And many two-legs don't qualify as human.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Demand accountability. NOW.

The City of Memphis had a shelter system that tortured animals, burying an injured live dog under the corpses of animals being sent for cremation, and starved animals to death. And in Memphis, nothing changes. The people responsible for this animal cruelty continue in their jobs as though nothing happened, one collecting almost $100K. They KNEW about this. They had been told about this, repeatedly. And did NOTHING.

Starve the fat f*ckers to death. And it still won't be justice.

Continuing story on YesBiscuit October 30, YesBiscuit November 3 , the Commercial Appeal November 3, YesBiscuit November 5

Warning: Graphic photos.

H/T to KC Dog Blog.

Side note: This could be happening in your own community, if the animal shelter or pound isn't under any requirement for transparency and accountability and no one in the municipality's bureaucracy gets off their fat arse to make sure there is.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Michael Vick hasn't paid, and never will.

Read the excellent article on SFGate.com entitled "Michael Vick's unpaid dues: Why dog advocates aren't moving on", by Christie Keith of the Pet Connection blog.

Which explains why I despise Michael Vick and others of his ilk.

And which is why Vick supporters, including the team that hired him and Nike that's giving him freebies, should be ashamed of themselves. But they're too stupid to be ashamed.


Sunday, November 1, 2009

Give a meaningful gift.

With this weakening economy, more and more animals are being given up due to financial crises within their homes. This puts extra strain on animal rescues' resources and their ability to help animals.

You can donate to an animal rescue through Canada Helps, which reduces the administrative burden for rescues since Canada Helps does the tax receipting.

To make a donation to Speaking of Dogs, you can donate through the umbrella group K-9 Rescue Me and get a tax receipt through the Canada Helps website. Click here for instructions.

Give a gift of and for life, for those who cannot help themselves.


Queen's Park November 18th 9:30 a.m. - Be There!

Ontario MPP Cheri Di Novo is putting forward a private members' bill to remove all references to the breed specific aspects of the Ontario Dog Owners' Liability Act. I think Ms. Di Novo is very courageous to do this and support her fully.

The Dog Legislation Council of Canada and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada are officially supporting Ms. Di Novo as she puts forth this bill.

PLEASE go to the press conference on
Wednesday, November 18th at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Queen's Park building. Let your friends and family know that someone in Queen's Park is standing up for law-abiding dog owners and their unoffending dogs.

IMHO, this law was never about dogs.
It was brought up at a time when the Ontario Liberals' public approval rating was in the crapper.
It was introduced by the former Attorney General Michael Bryant who,
despite his bombast and hyperbole, was unable to pick a "pit bull" from a series of pictures.
It makes law-abiding people into second-class citizens based on the property they own.
It is vague and shoddy, lacking important definitions.
It contains at least one abrogation of citizens' Charter Rights - reverse onus - and other very ugly provisions - allowing the opinion of unqualified individuals as "expert testimony", for example.
It kills dogs for political gain.

Be there. Wednesday, November 18th, 9:30 a.m. in front of Queen's Park.

For the Charter rights of law-abiding citizens. And for the dogs.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Toronto Humane is at it again.

According to Kate Hammer's article in the October 26th Globe and Mail, THS is again squandering donated money in court. To what end I do not know, unless THS wants to operate without any oversight of its animal treatment practices. That's what I get from the THS lawyer's comments.

If THS were a public company that lost 25% of its revenue in a year, the directors and executives would be out on their ears. Howcome THS still continues as though nothing has changed?

A friend of mine is not surprised by THS's non-response to her repeated faxes requesting information that any executive should be able to provide off the top of his/her head. The text of her third fax follows. I do not consider her questions unreasonable.

Any organization that wants public money and public trust MUST be transparent in ALL respects. THS seems bound and determined to be secretive and unresponsive. Is this what the THS has deteriorated to, a secret society trying to be answerable to no one instead of being a transparent and trustworthy animal welfare agency?

============================================================

After attending the annual meeting of members on September 30 and further to my faxes of October 9th and 16th I have a number of questions not addressed at the meeting which I ask you to answer.

1. Please provide a matrix showing the dates of directors’ meetings and the attendance of each director at these meetings.

2. Please advise of any reimbursement paid to each director for expenses incurred for attending meetings.

3. Please advise of the names of the directors who comprise the Executive Committee and any other committee of the board of directors such as an audit committee.

4. Please provide a matrix showing the dates of committee meetings and the attendance of each director at these meetings.

5. Please confirm that each director is within the 60 km residence radius.

6. Please advise of the criteria used for selection of management candidates for the board.

7. Please advise why new board members were not proposed for election.

8. Please provide fuller biographies for the board members. For example, Mr. Walters was stated to be a businessman. Please advise as to whether he operated his own business(es) and provide details such as as the name(s) of the business(es) and their disposition on his retirement; if not, please advise of the position he rose to in the business from which he retired.

9. Please advise why the names and biographies of the directors and executive officers are not published on the THS website.

10. Please advise why the financial statements are not published on the THS website.

11. Please advise why the membership webpage on the THS website has been disabled (for two weeks at the date of writing). Addendum: I am advised that the membership webpage has been disabled since August 18, 2009. Why? As at October 28, 2009 the membership webpage is still disabled.

12. At the meeting, you stated that there was no succession plan for management of THS. Please advise whether you are now working on succession planning.

13. Please advise why you did not address the $3M drop in revenue between fiscal 2007 and 2008.

14. Please advise as to who is responsible for overseeing the financial records of THS and the audit; in essence, who acts as chief financial officer for THS.

15. Please explain why the financial statements show long term commitments as an aggregate without any breakdown, specifically for the Victoria Park adoption centre.

16. Please explain why the financial statements do not set out the amount paid to Cornerstone (the organization you named at the meeting) for fundraising services.

17. Please advise whether management candidates are presented for election as a slate, or individually.

18. Please advise why the Secretary had not prepared a complete ballot for election of directors.

19. Please advise why the Secretary did not know where to obtain a copy of the THS investment policy.

20. Please advise whether THS has issued an apology to Linda MacKinnon for the THS member’s comment about Ms. MacKinnon.

21. Please advise whether THS has issued an apology for the behaviour of Ian McConachie at the meeting.

22. Please advise why the presentation on feline URI was not on the agenda. Please also advise whether the people investigating URI at THS are examining whether the HVAC systems for dog and cat areas are separate, and whether Bordetella bronchiseptica is being considered along with calici and mycoplasma.

23. Please advise whether THS will publish the individual salaries and non-cash compensation of the five highest-compensated executives.

24. In early October, over 50 unaltered cats were advertised for adoption on the THS website. Why are these cats not speutered before being advertised for adoption?

25. Please explain why you do not differentiate between backyard breeders and legitimate breeders when promoting your breeder licensing scheme.

26. Apparently the THS now adopts animals for a tax-deductible donation. Do you believe that adopting for a “what you can afford” amount results in giving animals to homes that can afford food and necessary veterinary care for the animals? Has the Canada Revenue Agency cleared this method of procuring donations?

I look forward to hearing from you in the very near future.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Michael Vick. Sorry....not.

H/T to KC Dog Blog.


Read Bad Rap's post about inviting Vick to meet the dogs Bad Rap saved from his "loving care" - dog fighting, electrocution, drowning, being beaten to death. Gee, what do you think his answer was?

Friday, October 16, 2009

It is past time for change at Toronto Humane

If you care about the welfare of animals, the use of money donated by the public and the conduct of a major municipal animal welfare organization, apply for membership in the Toronto Humane Society.

Go to the Association for Reform of Toronto Humane Society website and download the membership application form. Fill it out, enclose a CDN$ cheque or money order for the membership fee of your choice ($30.00 for annual, $10.00 for seniors, $1,000 for lifetime) payable to Toronto Humane Society (do NOT send cash), and mail it to The Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto, ON M5A 4C2.

Keep a copy of your membership application and your cheque. If you haven't received your membership card within a month, contact both Association for Reform of Toronto Humane Society at reformTHS AT yahoo.ca and the Toronto Humane Society Protest Group at THSprotest AT hotmail.com (without the spaces and with @ instead of AT - I'm trying to fool the address scooping bots).

If there is to be any change for the better at Toronto Humane, it must be propelled by caring, informed and participating members. BE ONE.

For the animals.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Singing Elvis "Suspicious Minds"

I'm so suspicious of the McGuinty Liberals, I'm looking for the time bombs in the proposed Animal Health Act that was introduced in October. I"m always mistrustful of anything that refers to "as prescribed in the regulations" but the regulations aren't presented with the legislation.

Read it here, and let me know if you see any ticking time bombs in what is probably another vague and shoddy piece of Fib legislation. I see one already....

The Minister may establish and oversee the operation of a provincial traceability system for animals and specified things related to animals, and may authorize the collection, maintenance and use of information with respect to the system.

This could include dogs and authorize the release or publication of the personal information (name, address) of people who own dogs that have been falsely demonized by the McSquinty Fibs.

I'm not paranoid. They are out to get us.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

DOG FOUND! Lost dog, unfamiliar with Toronto, please help!

UPDATE: Stanley has been found! Thanks to One Bark At A Time and Toronto Dog Blog.

***********************************

Please help find Stanley.

Pictures and information on One Bark At A Time.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Give the federal Liberals a reality check

A Liberal MP has introduced a Bill to amend the Old Age Security program to permit immigrants to apply for OAS after only three years in Canada, without working one day or contributing one cent in income taxes. It is Bill C-428 and can be read here.

To my eye, the OAS is insufficiently funded and cannot support the wave of applications that would follow if this Bill is passed.

Financial support of an immigrant, especially an immigrant senior, must be the sole responsibility of the sponsoring family.

Write your federal MP and the head of the political party responsible for this Bill, Michael Ignatieff, and tell them to vote No on Bill C-428 regardless of political allegiance. This Bill is unfair to working Canadian taxpayers and fiscally irresponsible.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

What McGuinty's Fiberals and other pro-BSL'ers have caused

Warning: Graphic.

Let Wag The Dog inform you.

This is what happens when ruthless, callous, ambitious politicians make their play for power on the rights of dog owners and the backs of dead dogs.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Don't buy Nike

Nike is supplying product to Michael Vick. Nike Canada confirmed this in an e-mail to me. Michael Vick, who fought dogs, tortured dogs, and brutally killed dogs by drowning, repeatedly smashing them on the ground, electrocuting them.

If this is the type of "person" Nike wants to associate with, condoning vicious animal cruelty and dogfighting for the sake of bux, I will never spend another dollar on its products.

Chicobandido has an excellent letter penned to Nike...read it here.

H/T to Chicobandido for this....I don't have speakers so I don't know what the audio is, but the visual really got me. It's from the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

If you want to contact Nike Corporate to express your disgust with its decision to supply Vick with product, I suggest writing to Philip H. Knight, its Chair of the Board of Directors; Mark G. Parker, President and CEO; and Charlie Denison, President Nike Brand.

Send your letters to Nike World Headquarters, One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005-6453 USA.

For Europe, send your letters to Nike EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) Headquarters, Colosseum 1, 1213 NL Hilversum, The Netherlands.

Nike might be a good target for a "say on pay" movement by its shareholders. I say that if Nike supports an athlete who brutally used and murdered dogs, the directors and executives should make substantial personal financial contributions to Bad Rap, Best Friends and Recycled Love that helped save the canine victims of Michael Vick. NOT to Peta or Humane $ociety of the United $tates, who wanted to kill the dogs.

Read the Sports Illustrated article about these dogs, and tell me who the vicious creatures are in this story.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Theatre of the Absurd, aka Toronto Humane Society AGM

I attended the Toronto Humane Society annual members' meeting on September 30th. The behaviour of THS management was so bad, I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry.

This is an organization with $9.3M in revenue ($12.2M in the 2007 financial year) that appears to be run worse than a corner store.

Typographical error in the agenda referring to approval of minutes of the 2009 annual general meeting. Duh. Did no one proof read the agenda before it went out?

No explanation for a $3 million drop in revenue. One-quarter of its revenue disappears, and the President has no comment.

Management displayed almost no knowledge of (or refused to discuss?) simple financial, corporate governance and business matters.

No chief financial officer.

No separation of the offices of Chair and President (the de facto CEO).

No succession plan. Very scary considering the ages of the President and Secretary.

Secretary used a patronizing tone towards members when they asked questions and never clearly answered the questions.

Secretary said he didn't know where to get a copy of the THS investment policy. Isn't the Secretary supposed to be the "keeper of records" for the organization?

Linda MacKinnon's name was not on the THS form of proxy. I believe her candidacy was announced well in advance of the AGM mailing; her name should have been on the proxy. All proxies then invalid?

Running of the meeting and voting process abdicated by the Secretary and taken over by the scrutineer. Improperly run and invalid meeting?

Ballot for election of directors improperly prepared (and may be invalid, that's a good question for the lawyers. Wait, no, the THS will squander more donations on lawyers).

President never clearly answered whether the management candidates were being presented for election as a slate or individually.

The only management candidate for election who introduced herself to the meeting was forgettable. Couldn't even tell you what she said. None of the other management candidates spoke, none of the current directors introduced themselves to the meeting.

President never provided the criteria used to select the management candidates. Biographies provided were insufficient to determine whether the management candidates brought appropriate business, legal or financial expertise to the table.

President couldn't (or wouldn't) answer a question about the organizational structure, who makes final decisions.

President couldn't (or wouldn't) answer how much had been spent on litigation, said that the costs were spread over three accounts (?), and then proceeded to say that court actions for labour issues, small claims court matters and other legal expenses were not litigation. Huh? Last time I looked, anything that goes to court is litigation.

Auditors didn't attend to answer questions about the financial statements.

President's report was all "puppies and kittens" emotion; no facts about operation of the business, no strategy report, no planning, nada.

President stated that all animals adopted out by THS are speutered. This was refuted by more than one person. Update - On Oct 7/09, over 50 unaltered cats are offered for adoption on the THS website. These are adult cats, not kittens, that should be speutered before being offered for adoption.

President continually made statements to the effect "that's the way it's always been".

Any questions about the 2006 Draper report (read Kate Hammer's article in the September 30th Globe & Mail) and more recent allegations (by different people) were answered with the refrain "lies, dammable lies". Personally, I think that the amount of smoke going up indicates a serious fire.

Tempers flared on all sides, but the display of temper by Ian McConachie, the THS communications person, towards a visibly upset member and caring former foster parent was absolutely unprofessional and unforgiveable. In a properly managed business, he'd be shown the door. At the least, there should be a public apology from THS for his behaviour. Interesting that the Toronto Star article (link below) mentions that McConachie was caught uttering untruths to the Star this summer.

Management's behaviour at this meeting left me wondering whether they're incompetent or hiding something. All the "I dunnos", "it's always been that way", refusing to answer simple business questions, the emotional ploys, no business explanations, the tantrums...

THS is an organization in crisis and will continue to be in crisis until it implodes, if the current board and management stay in place. The only ones who will suffer will be the animals, as they have suffered and will continue to suffer despite all the "puppies and kittens" speeches proferred.

IMNSHO, the Toronto Humane Society is no longer about animal welfare. Shut it down, show everyone the door, and let's start fresh.

More later. I have to go laugh. Or cry. Or vomit.

Addendum: One Bark At A Time is just as angry as I am about the THS nonsense. OBAAT has a good point about the uninformed and uncaring members being part of the problem. I, of course, question why a 100-year-old animal welfare organization in the largest city in Canada only has about 2700 members, according to the numbers given at the AGM.

The THS Protest Group has a very reasoned dissection of the sordid affair.

Good articles by Kate Hammer of the Globe & Mail and by Daniel Dale of the Toronto Star about the meeting.

Apparently THS charged Linda MacKinnon $400 for the membership list. That is outrageous.

On afterthought, Linda MacKinnon should send THS a letter threatening to sue for slander for the comment of a member at the meeting. This would be a nice retaliation for THS threatening Toronto Cat Rescue when one of its volunteers, as a private citizen and not as a TCR representative, said "Trow Must Go!".

I am told by several people that the membership section of the THS website is still missing in action. I guess that's how you run a democratic organization and invite the public to participate - shut down memberships *rolling eyes*. Update - On Oct 3/09 the membership section of the site is still disabled. Further Update - On Oct 7/09 the membership section of the site is STILL disabled. Further Update - Oct 13/09, membership section STILL disabled.

The website, incidentally, carries absolutely no information about the board or the officers. More secret society/need a decoder ring nonsense?

Ontario is considering a new Corporations Act to govern not-for-profit organizations. It should be modelled after the securities legislation with greater requirements for disclosure of every kind. I would like to see any not-for-profit paying salaries be required to disclose the individual salaries of the top five highest paid executives/employees and that the President be included regardless of whether the position's salary falls within the top five. Include all perqs such as executive cars, travel, etc. Also set out all compensation paid to directors, whether cash or in-kind; director's fees, reimbursement for travel, perqs, etc. Legal costs should be clearly set out, as should any monies paid to marketing or other agencies for fundraising. Also set out directors' attendance at meetings, so members know whether a director is failing in his or her duty.

Transparency is key to trust, and Toronto Humane Society is failing badly on transparency.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Here's how to do it right!

Chicobandido attended a seminar given by Bill Bruce, the Manager of By-law Services for Calgary, Alberta. Read about it here. Chicobandido will have more later, keep checking the site.

Calgary is a city that got it right; no breed-specific legislation, very high dog licensing rate, extremely low bite rate, and what is apparently the lowest shelter euthanasia rate in North America. Political will to "do it right" was there in Calgary, and it shows in the excellent results.

The McGuinty Liberals apparently didn't invite Calgary to the public hearings on Bill 132, the Liberals' unjust, unfounded, vague and shoddy breed-specific legislation. Gee, I wonder why *rolling eyes*.

YAY, CALGARY!!!!! I used to live there and I'd like to move back!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Updates on Toronto Humane and Michael Bryant

Hmm, I may start reading the Globe and Mail more often. It ran some good articles in the last few days.

First, an update on how Tim Trow & Co. are blocking potential candidates from running for the board of directors.

Next, an article on how Tim Trow & Co. are wasting donor dollars on unnecessary, useless litigation instead of spending the money on animal welfare.

Next, an update on the spin Navigator is running for Michael Bryant. Personally, the involvement of the spin doctors makes me nauseous; Bryant already makes me nauseous, without the spin doctors.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals subverted the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals legislated law-abiding people into second-class citizenship.

Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals put the shameful, draconian tools of reverse onus and balance of probabilities (a lesser test than beyond a reasonable doubt) into legislation.

Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals caused law-abiding people to live in fear and some to leave Ontario because of the Liberals' politically-motivated legislation.

Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals killed thousands of dogs solely because of their shape, while dog owners with politically correct animals that DO bite get a free pass.

I want to see Bryant's case tried with reverse onus and balance of probabilities.

Let Bryant personally know what these draconian provisions feel like.

Aim them at him.

That would be a proud moment for Ontario.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Good stuff

Thought-provoking reading


Broadsides by Antonia Zerbiasis, look for Wheel of fortune. Lots of other good stuff too.

Chicobandido's update on the seized Sarnia pups

Update: Great letter from Dawne Deeley about "pit bull" rhetoric. H/T to KC Dog Blog.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Congratulations to Kris Crawford, Cheyenne, Dakota & Tahoe!

Kris Crawford and her "pit bull" dogs have been awarded the U.S. President's Volunteer Lifetime of Service award. Congratulations, Kris, on this honour!

This is in addition to the many other awards Kris and her world-renowned cross-trained search and rescue/therapy "pit bulls" have received.

Kris's achievements with her dogs and the thousands of happy, friendly family "pit bulls" prove that those who would destroy dogs solely on the basis of their appearance, lie.

A reminder of what happens with breed-specific legislation on Dog Owners' Rights.

H/T to Chicobandido.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The next time someone spouts nonsense...

...about how "pit bulls" are the problem, send 'em to this blog.

Dog Attacks You Never Hear About.

The "pit bull" problem is non-existent. It is perceived as a problem because of political hyperbole and fear mongering (usually for self-glory), and mainstream media's failure to adequately research what they print or a political bias.

TODAY! Toronto Humane protest 2 to 4 pm

From Toronto Humane Society Protest Group:

Just reminding everyone to come to the protest.

Even if you can't make it out for the entire thing,
an hour could make a huge difference.
There will be media present & the more people at the protest
the better coverage we'll get for our cause.

Please join us as we take a stand against animal abuse
and neglect at the Toronto Humane Society.

Two hours out of your day can make a real difference
in the lives of the animals.

There is also a donation drive at the protest.
If you can, please bring food, kitten formula,
a dog toy, a blanket, or a towel.

Please leave your dogs at home.
We don't want any paws to get stepped on!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Media spin makes me hurl

There has been at least one nausea-inducing editorial in a one-horse burg newspaper that canonizes Bryant and trivializes Darcy Sheppard's death. The editorial completely ignores the fact that a man died.

Geez, Navigator PR is worth every cent. They're reaching into every corner.

Next thing, Mikey will be getting a call from the Vatican, they'll beatify him when he dies.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Navigator's purple kool-aid and Bryant's legacy of death

My friend Caveat has a great post about the spin cycle Navigator has been running for the past week on Michael Bryant. One Bark At A Time also hit on some interesting parallels to the Liberals' "pit bull" ban bullshite that ran in 04-05. The Toronto Star had the article about Navigator running Bryant's defense on Saturday; too bad it's fallen to an interior webpage. Too bad there's also a bit of spin in it. The stuff that the media has been running this week is so much sweetness and light, I've gone into insulin shock.

Yo, Navigator, I guess your hope to stay out of the story is blown. Now I and many others can wonder (correction - know) whether the words we see and hear are true, or spin. A few of the dim sheeple may have swallowed the purple kool-aid but intelligent, thinking people are throwing it right back up on the spin.

One example is the leaked resignation letter to the City. IMHO, Bryant need not have resigned his job; the leaked resignation was to implant the notion of "innocence" in the minds of the sheeple.

Another is the deliberate desecration of a dead man's reputation. Necrophilia. If the late Mr. Sheppard had as many outstanding warrants as the mediocre media reported, would those warrants not have turned up on a CPIC during the earlier part of the evening when the police supposedly dealt with him? If those outstanding warrants exist and were turned up on CPIC, would the police not have taken Mr. Sheppard into custody?

Ya gotta admire Navigator for their ability to manipulate the masses. Bet they're really, really expensive. If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Speaking of innocence....go to YouTube and search for honestedits.

Which makes me wonder...was Navigator on the Fibs' payroll in 04-05, when we couldn't get a single fact published to counter the Ontario Liberals' bullshite about dogs? When the media published Liberal press releases verbatim and never, ever asked for a fact to back up the Liberals' claims? When we couldn't get the media (aka Liberal butt barnacles) to listen to and print the simple facts that law-abiding people were being legislated into second-class citizenship and dogs would be killed solely because of their shape?

Bryant's legacy of death in Ontario continues. Wag The Dog has picked up a story about two puppies in Sarnia that will be euthanized solely because of their shape - one seized from the owner's hands, neither of which had done anything wrong. Mayor Bradley of Sarnia has obviously swallowed the Liberal swill. This unjust, unfounded, vague, shoddy and fiscally irresponsible legislation need not be enforced. It can be ignored. If you're intelligent and rational, that is. If you're unintelligent and irrational, "pit bulls" are the enemy. Death to the puppies, eh, Mikey?

Dead dogs and puppies, now a dead man, and the same guided media spin on it all. Disgusting.

The only "inherently vicious", "ticking time bomb" animal is an ambitious politician....or a politician on the ropes.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Deja vu all over again

Brilliant post at One Bark At A Time about the Bryant spin cycle.

Spin cycle like a (white)wash, not the cycle Bryant "allegedly" bashed into, thereby starting the events that led to Darcy Allan Sheppard's death.

For me, no amount of spinning is ever going to make Bryant's hands clean.

Update: Take the Michael Bryant Legal Ethics Test on YouTube. H/T to Wag The Dog. Update - the video has been removed from YouTube. Tou bad.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Michael Bryant charged in bicyclist's death

There's not much I can say but....

Michael Bryant's children saw their father come home tonight.

Darcy Allan Sheppard's children will never see their father again.

Let us hope that at the end of the day, Mr. Sheppard's fatherless children, his family and his friends feel that justice was well-served.

Update:
Bryant's expensive PR handlers must be working 24/7. Too bad Mr. Bryant's favourite tool, reverse onus, won't be used against him.

It is repellant that the mediocre media are trashing the reputation of a dead man who cannot defend himself. For what, to what end, what do they hope to accomplish? Is the dead man on trial? In the media, he certainly is.

This is all so wrong, there is no way to make it right.

Nice post on Dogs in Canada....read it here.






Sunday, August 30, 2009

Dis 'n dat

Want to do the HST tapdance? Mark my words - after the HST has been in place a year, McSquinty and the Ontario Fiberals will claim a balanced budget. Those of us who are single and work hard will get screwed yet again. And we won't even get supper first.

According to a tiny piece in the August 22nd, 2009 print version of the Toronto Star, the Toronto Humane Society has said that it has overturned its decision to deny membership to six critics the THS had accused of acting against its interests, and those critics can now vote and speak at the September 30th annual meeting.

YO, THS. How about all the other people who received rejection letters? How about all the people who applied for membership before August 17th and haven't heard from THS?

Thoughts for action:

1. Were you one of the “6 critics”?

If so, were you aware that your membership application WILL now be accepted?

Have you been advised of such?

2. If you were NOT one of the above mentioned “6 critics”, did you also receive a notice of rejection to your application to be a THS member?

3. If you did receive a “rejection letter”, have you since been advised that your application WILL now be accepted?

If you have NOT received a follow up notice saying you have now been accepted, consider taking action below.

The THS put on their website that as of August 17 they would not be issuing memberships until after the September 30 annual meeting. Did you apply for your membership well in advance of August 17 and yet have heard nothing yet?

If yes, then take action.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO TAKE

a) Contact Daniel Dale, the Toronto Star reporter who wrote the August 19th article. Refer to his article and advise him of your situation.

Email: ddale@thestar.ca

b) Contact each of the THS Board members in writing. Use snail mail or fax, do NOT e-mail. Politely question why your application was rejected/ignored (since all membership applications reportedly go to the Board for consideration) while the ones that were mentioned in the Toronto Star article have now been “accepted”.

c) Fax a polite letter to the following contact details, refer to the August 22nd Toronto Star article and question why your application has been ignored/rejected.

Toronto Humane Society
Attention: Mr. T. Trow
Fax: 416-392-9978

Please keep good records of your follow up and any response(s).

I am baffled as to why Toronto Humane Society thinks that rejecting people who are obviously interested in the Society's operations constitutes good governance.

Note to the Toronto Star - you want hits on your web pages? Put anything about THS online.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

THS Protest Sat Sept 12 2-4 p.m.

The Toronto Humane Society has publicly posted that it will not issue new memberships until October 1st. I ask the lawyers out there whether the THS can put a kibosh on new memberships for the board's purposes. Optically, it looks like the THS board is circling the wagons, it's been called a bunker mentality; what has the board of THS so frightened, hmmmm?????

THS is also rejecting people who applied for membership - pre-emptively in one case, as the woman had not applied for membership. I question the surveillance that THS is doing to know who's distributing pamphlets, who's at protests, who's Facebooking or blogging. How much money and employee time has been diverted from animal care to the invasion of people's privacy solely for the board's purposes? Read more about that here (h/t to One Bark at a Time).

THS has also posted the date but not the time or place of the annual members' meeting. Is this to keep attendance down, keep the time and place secret, hmmmm??? If you support the board, do you get the secret decoder ring with the time and place? If you're currently a member of THS and cannot attend the meeting, please give your proxy to Association for Reform of the Toronto Humane Society. Do NOT give your proxy to THS management. Read more about ART and how you can help here.

If you are as concerned as I am by the behaviour of the THS board, write Attorney General Chris Bentley and Minister of Consumer Services Ted McMeekin and express your concerns. Bentley is responsible for the Office of the Public Guardian which governs charities in Ontario, and McMeekin is responsible for administration of the Ontario Corporations Act which governs not-for-profit organizations in Ontario. The Ontario Liberals have been sitting on their hands throughout this (gee, why does this not surprise me?). Note - send paper by snail mail or fax. Do not e-mail.

Ministry
Ministry of the Attorney General
11th Floor
720 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K1
Tel
416-326-2220
Fax
416-326-4007
Toll Free
1-800-518-7901
TTY
416-326-4012


Hon Ted McMeekin Contact Info

Ministry
Ministry of Consumer Services
6th Floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1L2
Tel
416-327-8300
Fax
416-326-1947
Constituency
299 Dundas Street East
P.O. BOX 1240
Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H0
Tel
905-690-6552
Fax
905-690-6562


Toll Free
1-888-566-6614


From the Toronto Humane Society Protest Group

We are having another protest at the Toronto Humane Society on Saturday Sept 12th 2009 2-4pm at 11 River Street. Just over 200 people attended the first protest on June 20th. We are hoping to double that number so please invite everyone you know.

We are also having a donation drive at the protest. Please bring some kitten meal replacement, a dog toy, or a blanket. We will be giving the donations to the animals of the THS at the end of the protest.

We have also organized a letter writing campaign. Our goal is to have 500 letters sent to each organization listed. If you don’t live in Toronto, or are unable to attend the protest please take a few minutes out of your day to write some letters. Please check out this blog post to learn about the letter writing campaign, and to read a list of other ways that you can get involved to help the animals at the Toronto Humane Society.

http://helpths.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/how-to-help

If you would like to volunteer to help hand out brochures, put up posters, or to help spread the word about the protest and why the animals need our help please send an email to thsprotest@Hotmail.com

If you haven’t applied for membership please do so. The board of directors can call an AGM at any time and every vote counts. A small window of opportunity has opened to get some good people on the board. Please remember that a board seat only goes up for re-election every three years. You can download a membership application from the blog entry that was posted previously in this message.

If you have applied for membership and were sent a rejection letter please contact us. We are trying to keep track of the rejection letters.

Keep checking the blog for new info. New articles are posted every few days. http://helpths.wordpress.com

See you on Saturday Sept 12th!