One Voice for Animal Welfare
As a gardener, you probably know the benefits of using mulch in your landscape. However, one type, Cocoa Mulch can be harmful to your pets. In the video below, Dave Wilson, Director of Shelter Health & Wellness at the Ontario SPCA, discusses what Cocoa Mulch is and why it is toxic to pets.
Moly was adopted from the Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre. We recently got a note from Molly’s new family updating us on how she is doing.
Here are a few pics of Molly. You can see in the one picture she is dead asleep with her toy giraffe and her bed. We took her to the pet store and she walked over and picked this as her first toy. She loves it and is always playing with it.
She made a new friend at the park the other day. His name is Zeus and he’s a very large German Shepard but very well trained and so gentle. They run and chase after the tennis ball together. Molly is extremely social and gets so upset when people just walk by her and don’t stop to give her attention. She actually will stop and sit waiting for love. It’s adorable.
She’s off to the vet tomorrow for a checkup and another vaccine and next week we start a 10-week training class.
Hope you enjoy the pictures and the update.
Take care…Lisa
We see them every day, but most people don’t give a second thought to a cat peeking out from behind a bush, or running to cross the street. Feral cats are a result of the overpopulation crisis, as the amount of cats that are homeless far exceeds the amount of available homes.
Feral cats may need medical attention
Many people with good intentions leave out food or water for feral cats in their neighbourhood but there is more involved with caring for feral cats.
Want to learn more about Feral Cat Management? Have a listen to the Ontario OSPCA Pawdcast with Jenn Toof, Acting Branch Manager of the Provincial Education and Animal Centre, discussing proper cat care and safety, and what you can do to keep your cat healthy and safe. Also, Roxanne St. Germain, Director, Toronto Feral Cat Project, discusses what a feral cat is, why it is important to manage feral cats and how you can do your part to help control the pet overpopulation crisis in Ontario.
Animals’ Voice Pawdcast Season 1, Episode 11 - Cat Care Safety and Feral Cat Management
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This year, the Ontario SPCA is celebrating 140 years in animal welfare! It’s been a bit nostalgic as we reminisce about the past and found old treasured photos of the Society throughout the years. How things have changed!
Rescue trailer then and now.
The Rescue and Relief trailer for one, has come a long way.
In early days, agents were fortunate to have a trailer donated by the Ontario Harness Horsemen’s Association to use for large scale removals. However, as the years progressed and area covered by the Ontario SPCA increased, a need for upgraded equipment was needed.
In 2011, Ontario SPCA agents investigated between 13,000 and 16,000 reports of cruelty and removed over 2,800 animals that were at risk. When a large-scale rescue operation is underway, tens or even hundreds of animals need immediate attention and having the proper equipment is crucial to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Last year, we were thrilled to receive a generous donation by Nutrience pet foods that was invaluable in our rescue and relief efforts. They donated a 20-foot trailer, equipped with fully adjustable heat and air conditioning. It also contains a generator for power, with six exterior floodlights for nighttime or inclement conditions. It has an 18-foot awning for protection from the elements and has a ramp with a movable partition and a 36-inch door. What makes the trailer so special is the capacity to provide shelter and temporary housing during emergency situations.
The Rescue & Relief trailer is just one of the many things that has progressed throughout the years. Looking back at 140 years, the Ontario SPCA is proud of the work it has accomplished and looks forward to another 140 years in animal welfare.
The weekend is here! Warm weather means cottage time. Nothing says relaxation like time away from the city.
The cottage setting is very different than urban life and many people allow their pets to roam free. I was guilty of this, letting Moose off-leash as soon as we pulled into the driveway of our rustic little retreat. We would always let him run free and he always came back so we never had any concerns. What we didn’t realize, was that while he was doing his rounds around the area, he was also getting into people’s garbage. One day, he came back very ill and we had to take him to the emergency veterinarian clinic 40 km away. Luckily with a little rest and rehydration, he made a full recovery.
On another occasion, we were driving up the dirt road and as we came around a bend, almost hit one of the neighbour’s dogs. This made me realize that it really wasn’t safe to let Moose roam free and from that point on, we kept him on a leash. The only time we let him roam free was when we were down by the water so he can play in the lake.
As much as I loved seeing Moose all free and happy, this was best for his health and safety.
Make your summer at the cottage a safe one. Check out the Ontario SPCA’s Cottage Safety Fact Sheet for useful tips such as water safety, pets and wildlife, and much more. And remember, always keep your pets’ identification up-to-date in the event they might get lost.
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Duke is showing his new little sister the best places to rest after a session of playing catch.
We recently received an update on Tex, now known as Duke, who was adopted from the Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre.
“Duke is a lovely puppy, very gentle, but often boisterous. He loves the cold weather, running around in the snow and going for walks, although at first he was very nervous. We all love him (except for the cats, who are a little dubious.)
His adult teeth are mostly through now, and we are waiting for his adult coat to grow through. Our vet was impressed with him, and can see no other breed than collie in him.
Thank you for allowing us to take him, he is truly one of our family. Best regards and keep up the good work!”
Peter
Shelter animals make great pets! Find your new best friend at one of the Ontario SPCA Branches or Affiliates.
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Much devastation has been seen in Oklahoma from recent tornadoes. However, a little happiness comes through when an elderly woman whose home was destroyed by the Oklahoma tornado found her pet dog among the rubble during a live TV interview. Watch the video here.
It’s important to be prepared for any emergency situation. Check out the Ontario SPCA website to find out how you can create a plan to help keep your pets safe.
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The time has come for you to add a four-legged companion to your household. Do you adopt? Do you buy from a breeder?
There are many options available to people looking to purchase a dog. While we highly encourage adoption from shelters or animal rescue groups, we acknowledge that some people have their mind set on a specific breed and are set on purchasing from a breeder or broker. Before doing so, make sure you have done your research to avoid a potentially unhealthy pet or even unknowingly supporting puppy mills. Here are a few things to consider before making that important decision:
“If a breeder doesn’t want to show you these kinds of things, it should spark a red flag,” says Agent Brad Dewar of the Ontario SPCA.
Purchasing a dog from unfit conditions can lead to years of health problems which in turn can be a financial burden. Global News recently reported a story “Former bulldog broker alleges animals sold were often sick”, where a broker claims that some of the animals she sold from a puppy breeder were in fact sick.
Unfortunately some people are out to make a quick buck and don’t provide the basic care required for healthy animals or breed their animals too often, resulting in genetic abnormalities. When purchasing a pet, make sure you know where they are coming from to that you can ensure you are going to get a happy healthy animal.
You can learn more about finding a responsible dog breeder on www.humanesociety.org.
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Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Ontario SPCA You Tube Channel! We have many interesting, informative and fun videos to watch, including our latest addition “Top 10 Questions With An Ontario SPCA Animal Control Officer” featuring the one and only, Inspector Paul Harrison.
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