Well, there I was, writing a rational, objective post about working together....
I took a break to read Garth Jerome's affidavit about the plan to close down Toronto Humane Society for a death-dealing reboot (available on many sites)....
And felt physically ill.
It scared the $#!@ out of me.
If you haven't read it, you'd better. Fast.
I could nitpick like crazy, but I'm going to restrict myself to the high points.
First, never once does Mr. Jerome refer to the objects contained in the Letters Patent of THS. Mission statement, policies, blah blah. What do the objects in the THS Letters Patent allow Toronto Humane Society to be?
Next, Mr. Jerome consulted with the Edmonton Humane Society, among others. According to paragraph 5 of Mr. Jerome's affidavit, it appears that Edmonton Humane Society has a 50% kill rate (intake 10,000; adoptions 5,000). If Edmonton Humane wishes to provide detail that refutes the appearance, I'd really like to see it.
In all the talk about mission statements, policies, procedures, retraining, trips to Edmonton/Toronto, laptop computers....not one word about how much this will cost and where the money is coming from for all these plans.
Now, paragraph 18 of the affidavit. Mr. Jerome wants to invite a "consultation/assessment team" from the Humane Society of the United States to "spend a week at the shelter and conduct a wholesale review of our operations".
The Humane Society of the United States ("HSUS") is a lobby group. It does not operate a single shelter.
According to people who can do math (not me), in 2008 HSUS spent $28 million of their $125 million budget on fundraising -- $28 million on political campaigns and $12 million on "strategic communications'.
HSUS gave less than 1% of donations to shelters.
Want to know how much money HSUS has in the bank? In 2008 - $204, 868,764. Yes, that's millions.
HSUS was lobbying for the deaths of the Vick dogs while using them in fundraising campaigns. HSUS has called for the deaths of dogs and puppies seized in fight busts, never once allowing for temperament assessment and rehoming. HSUS never had care of the Vick dogs.
HSUS used a picture of Fay, a severely injured "pit bull", in a fundraising campaign. HSUS never had care of Fay. HSUS didn't even get the dog's name right. After some serious screaming worldwide, HSUS gave a lousy $5 grand to the rescue actually caring for Fay (which would have been a drop in the bucket for HSUS, and a pittance towards Fay's vet costs).
HSUS supports mandatory spay/neuter. Mandatory spay/neuter can eradicate a domesticated species in one generation.
HSUS opposed feral cat trap/spay/neuter/release programs.
HSUS does not support no-kill.
HSUS apparently has crossleadership with PETA. PETA wants to end animal ownership, including pets. PETA killed almost 100% of the animals entrusted to it in 2009..and 2008....and 2007....
Nathan Winograd has covered HSUS, as has Pet Connection blog and KC Dog Blog.
HSUS states in its IRS filing that it wants a representative in every state in the U.S.
Is HSUS looking for a foothold in Canada?
I'm worried.
Very worried.
===============================================
This is the objective post that got waylaid...
Keep your eyes on the prize.
There's a minor flurry going on between what I call the "puppies and kitties" crowd (read: the ones controlled by their emotions) and those who can see the long-term, who have their eyes on the goal of rebuilding the Toronto Humane Society.
Dissension serves no one, especially not the animals.
Focusing on the short term obscures and detracts from the historical issues at THS - institutionalized hoarding, inhumane treatment of terminally injured or ill animals by allowing them to die in their cages, squandering donor funds on lawsuits (detailed in the mainstream media - are the THS lawsuits against the OSPCA, Hamilton HS and a former employee still ongoing?), the lack of control, transparency and accountability. Read the affidavit for the search warrant against THS if you need a reminder about its animal care.
Garth Jerome, the new Executive Director of THS (N.B. an Executive Director is a paid employee, not a member of the board of directors), has issued a statement that the board of THS has approved a plan to shut the shelter for six to eight weeks. Mr. Jerome's affidavit sets out a whole bunch'a stuff.
Why did the THS lawyers call a reduced animal population a "death spiral" on March 2, 2010 but aren't calling emptying and closing the shelter a "death spiral"?
I do not think that THS should be emptied "...by means of adoption, fostering, transfers to rescue groups, and euthanasia...". Rescue groups are overburdened as it is, most run by volunteers who pay much out of their pockets without the $9M in revenue THS had in 2008 (wonder what the legal fees are to date for all the to-ing and fro-ing?). Fostering had been shut down at THS, last I heard? That leaves adoption and euthanasia. How many of the animals left at THS have medical or behavioural issues that make them unlikely candidates for adoption?
Neither the board nor Mr. Jerome appear to have made concrete plans for all the kittens that will be born very shortly.
Nor has anyone addressed where the money is coming from. Were the independent animal-care experts paid? Who would pay for an Edmonton animal are trainer to stay in Toronto and train THS staff, or for THS shelter supervisors to go to Edmonton? The THS proposal includes deep cleaning, staff retraining, a new computer system for tracking animal intake and care, cosmetic changes to the public areas of the facility, and a "new infrastructure for the conduct of future operations".
Hey, Board of Directors, why wasn't this done BEFORE the OSPCA bust?
There should also be a savage structural check of the building, particularly its wiring, in light of the rodent infestation it's had for years.
Where is the money coming from? THS hasn't allowed new memberships since August 2009. I know several people with applications and cheques sitting in a pile on someone's desk. The board had time to decide to close the shelter, why didn't they deal with the backlog of membership applications? Aren't members important? Who is going to donate to a shelter where they can't be a member and have a vote, or to a closed shelter?
Brian Shiller of the OSPCA is quoted in the March 30, 2010 Globe & Mail article stating, "Most of the members of the board of directors have “indicated an intention to resign shortly". Hey, enquiring minds want to know - who hasn't said they'll resign? If most of the board is going to resign, then why should that board be allowed to decide to close the shelter?
Cool heads are needed now. Fact, not opinion, is needed now. The goal needs to be kept uppermost.
The shelter needs to be kept open, particularly in light of coming kitten season. Kittens need feeding every 2 hours round the clock if Mama is dead or can't be found.
BUT the board who sat for years, either overtly or tacitly endorsing the behaviour of management (the sin of omission is as grave as the sin of commission), cannot be allowed to remain.
A shelter cannot be no-kill unless it turns animals away. The goal should be humane low-kill. Allowing terminally ill animals to die in their cages is not humane.
Only by regrouping, coalescing, sticking together and keeping our eyes on the goal - the removal of the current board and management of Toronto Humane and the rejuvenation of the Toronto Humane Society and replacement with a board committed to animal welfare (not rights), transparency and accountability - can those goals be achieved.
Showing posts with label toronto humane society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toronto humane society. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
There are so many games afoot, and animals are the pawns.
Worldwide, there are games afoot with various factions pushing their agendas, redirecting unwelcome attention or protecting their turf...and animals have no voice in this game, they're only the pawns.
1. Past decade if not more - PETA, HSUS and the rest of the "kill 'em" groups - trying to eliminate specific types of animals or domestic animals wholesale, particularly pets. PETA and HSUS are nothing more than well-funded lobby groups pushing anti-animal agendas. Any unthinking dope who spouts "guardian" in reference to their animals is aiding the PETA goal (the game) of having animals removed from the category of property and therefore removing any legislative or common-law right to own property (a pet animal).
2. 2005 - The provincial Liberal government passed an unfounded, unjust, inhumane, vague, shoddy, ineffective and fiscally irresponsible breed ban. This was at a time when the Liberals' public approval rating was very low. The Liberals ignored all the dog experts. The Liberals refused to institute a centralized dog bite registry - gee, I wonder why. One of the Liberals' so-called experts was a dweeb who can't even get the names of dog breeds right. This game was rigged from the start. Couldn't get a word printed in mainstream media to refute the Fibs' rhetoric. The Liberals had absolutely no intention of listening to the people who testified at the committee hearings. McSquinty whipped the Fibs into showing up and voting for the breed ban. This was a done deal before we even heard about it.
3. 2004 and 2005 - The way I read the returns, it appears the Ontario Liberals gave two whacking great hunks of money to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ("OSPCA") - which, being the enforcement body for animal law in the province, would probably be involved in dog fight investigations and dog seizures resulting from the investigations. However, we haven't seen any media trumpeting about any dog fight busts. What's the game here? Was this money from the Ontario government? Why was the money given? What was done with it? And why another great lump in 2008?
N.B. Snipped from OSPCA returns filed with the Canada Revenue Agency
Revenue from provincial/territorial governments
2002 - $ 685,500
2003 - 216,294
2004 - 1,154,760
2005 - 1,268,609
2006 - 285,755
2007 - 653,482
2008 - 2,845,810
4. November 2009 - OSPCA makes animal cruelty busts at Toronto Humane Society ("THS"). Long story well-covered in mainstream media. Current board of directors is charged, cruelty investigator charged, former office worker charged...hard to know who hasn't been charged. The game here consisted of idly wondering about who would turn on whom to save their skin.
5. March 2010 - THS does a public 180 on its euthanasia "policy" and posts on its website that it has killed six dogs (five "pit bulls") and 19 cats. Now, what's this game? Apparently the five "pit bulls" all had no temperament or health issues and had places ready in rescues outside the province; the only issue was the logistics of transporting them through the province (because of the stupid provincial breed ban and even stupider patchwork of municipal breed ban laws). What's the game here? Why the sudden rush to kill the dogs and the cats? Especially since THS had repeatedly refused to work with rescues and allow the dogs to leave the province, preferring to keep them incarcerated for years? (Keep in mind that these dogs would be alive if THS had moved them out of the province.) Was the killing required by the OSPCA? Was it a decision of THS and if so, who made the decision? Don't give me the nameless, faceless "committee" answer. Someone ultimately had to say, "they're toast". Who was it? Why were these dogs and cats killed? Will we ever get a straight answer?
6. Guess the game in #5 eliminates the game in #4.
Y'ever get the feeling that you'd like to leave for an island with no government and no politics?
Take your animals with you.
And go without anyone else. As soon as there are two or more people, there's politics.
1. Past decade if not more - PETA, HSUS and the rest of the "kill 'em" groups - trying to eliminate specific types of animals or domestic animals wholesale, particularly pets. PETA and HSUS are nothing more than well-funded lobby groups pushing anti-animal agendas. Any unthinking dope who spouts "guardian" in reference to their animals is aiding the PETA goal (the game) of having animals removed from the category of property and therefore removing any legislative or common-law right to own property (a pet animal).
2. 2005 - The provincial Liberal government passed an unfounded, unjust, inhumane, vague, shoddy, ineffective and fiscally irresponsible breed ban. This was at a time when the Liberals' public approval rating was very low. The Liberals ignored all the dog experts. The Liberals refused to institute a centralized dog bite registry - gee, I wonder why. One of the Liberals' so-called experts was a dweeb who can't even get the names of dog breeds right. This game was rigged from the start. Couldn't get a word printed in mainstream media to refute the Fibs' rhetoric. The Liberals had absolutely no intention of listening to the people who testified at the committee hearings. McSquinty whipped the Fibs into showing up and voting for the breed ban. This was a done deal before we even heard about it.
3. 2004 and 2005 - The way I read the returns, it appears the Ontario Liberals gave two whacking great hunks of money to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ("OSPCA") - which, being the enforcement body for animal law in the province, would probably be involved in dog fight investigations and dog seizures resulting from the investigations. However, we haven't seen any media trumpeting about any dog fight busts. What's the game here? Was this money from the Ontario government? Why was the money given? What was done with it? And why another great lump in 2008?
N.B. Snipped from OSPCA returns filed with the Canada Revenue Agency
Revenue from provincial/territorial governments
2002 - $ 685,500
2003 - 216,294
2004 - 1,154,760
2005 - 1,268,609
2006 - 285,755
2007 - 653,482
2008 - 2,845,810
4. November 2009 - OSPCA makes animal cruelty busts at Toronto Humane Society ("THS"). Long story well-covered in mainstream media. Current board of directors is charged, cruelty investigator charged, former office worker charged...hard to know who hasn't been charged. The game here consisted of idly wondering about who would turn on whom to save their skin.
5. March 2010 - THS does a public 180 on its euthanasia "policy" and posts on its website that it has killed six dogs (five "pit bulls") and 19 cats. Now, what's this game? Apparently the five "pit bulls" all had no temperament or health issues and had places ready in rescues outside the province; the only issue was the logistics of transporting them through the province (because of the stupid provincial breed ban and even stupider patchwork of municipal breed ban laws). What's the game here? Why the sudden rush to kill the dogs and the cats? Especially since THS had repeatedly refused to work with rescues and allow the dogs to leave the province, preferring to keep them incarcerated for years? (Keep in mind that these dogs would be alive if THS had moved them out of the province.) Was the killing required by the OSPCA? Was it a decision of THS and if so, who made the decision? Don't give me the nameless, faceless "committee" answer. Someone ultimately had to say, "they're toast". Who was it? Why were these dogs and cats killed? Will we ever get a straight answer?
6. Guess the game in #5 eliminates the game in #4.
Y'ever get the feeling that you'd like to leave for an island with no government and no politics?
Take your animals with you.
And go without anyone else. As soon as there are two or more people, there's politics.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Latest development in the ongoing saga of Toronto Humane...
...Kate Hammer has a Globe & Mail article on the decision of Mr. Justice David Brown of Ontario's Superior Court to have the OSPCA oversee the intake and adoption of animals at the shelter.
The article mentions layoff of THS administrative staff; to quote, "Shelter insiders said the bulk of the layoffs were administrative staff and part of an ongoing effort to increase the proportion of employees who work in animal care."
The article also contains an interesting statement by the OSPCA that any deal struck through mediation would require the resignation of all 14 remaining members of the board.
The article mentions layoff of THS administrative staff; to quote, "Shelter insiders said the bulk of the layoffs were administrative staff and part of an ongoing effort to increase the proportion of employees who work in animal care."
The article also contains an interesting statement by the OSPCA that any deal struck through mediation would require the resignation of all 14 remaining members of the board.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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!
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.
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!
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.c
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.c
See you on Saturday Sept 12th!
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