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.
Friday, December 25, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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