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Animal Shelter Issues

March 2010 – Linda Spencer addresses conditions at the Pound

In an open letter on the state of the St. Thomas Animal Shelter, several issues and questions were addressed.  The entire letter is posted on our Shelter & Pound Awareness page.  Her conclusions and recommendations are also listed below:

1. 1. Have regular hours that the pound is open for people to come and adopt animals.
2. 2. For 1 staff to do the patrolling for stray animals while the other stays with the animals at the pound.
3. 3. That the staff take staggered lunches to ensure someone is with the animals and have staff at the pound for the public to be able view animals for possible adoption.
4. 4. Remove games from the city computers.
5. 5. Keep a logbook of what they are doing during the day.
6. 6. Properly clean the building.
7. 7. Allow the dogs out more than once a day into the runs.
8. 8. Consider privatizing the pound that works with a board comprised of Animal Welfare  groups, Rescue Groups, City representatives, a vet and independent Administrator  answerable to the board.
9. 9. Treat the Volunteer rescue groups as the valued city resource that they are with dignity and respect.
10. 10. Have the staff take the educational programs about the care and welfare of animals that is offered to them.
11. 11. Turn the unused room at the pound into a cat room to allow them outside their cages to play and socialize with other felines.

Oct 6, 2010 – City acknowledges problems

St. Thomas City Council discussed issues regarding the St. Thomas Animal Shelter at Council’s Oct. 4th meeting.  We want to thank Aldermen Dave Warden, Heather Jackson-Chapman, Gord Campbell, and former Mayor Cliff Barwick for doing some lateral thinking about how to make the best use of the resources we already have in these challenging times.  Several resolutions were passed that may make the Shelter more accessible for people wanting to adopt pets, and incorporate the services of volunteer groups to augment services.  Comment on The St. Thomas Dog Blog

Nov 4, 2010 – City Council gives green light to Animal Shelter improvements

St. Thomas City Council has approved treatments for fleas and upper respiratory ailments at the St. Thomas Animal Shelter.  Besides this being the humane thing to do, hopefully this will make the animals more adoptable in a shelter that is coping with an overabundance of cats.  The City has already approved extending the hours of the shelter to accmodate public access.  We have also heard reports of an improvement in cleanliness, no easy task with that many animals to look after.

We really applaud the efforts of the Animal Shelter staff and the follow through by City Council to improve conditions.  Most of all, we appreciate the ability of people to listen, decision makers and staff alike, to suggestions on how we might make the best use of our resources.

Animal Welfare Committee Findings

Feb. 14, 2011 - The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee presents its first report to City Council

A summary is provided below:

Simply put, it is not working.

• – Almost 5000 cats and dogs were in the St. Thomas Pound in the last 7 years.  The claim and adoption rates were dismal.
• – The number of abandoned cats and dogs create an enormous stress on City resources and volunteer groups.
• – That more money, more resources, more staff, and more infrastructure has not been successful.
• – We need to change how we provide Animal Control services to the community.
• – The Pound must be managed in a cost effective manner while being sensitive to the community and providing animal care.
• – How can we do this?  By re- allotment of resources and Turbo-charge operations at the pound.

Cornerstones of the proposed Action Plan:

1. Reducing Intakes:

• – Improve owner claim rate with a Pet Identification and Licensing Program.
• – Offer First Ride Home as Free Incentive.

2. Increasing adoption of Pound Animals:

• – Offer a spay/neuter rebate program as an incentive to adopt from the pound.
• – Improve the atmosphere in the pound to be more attractive to the public.
• – A “We’re Open” and a can-do attitude where business hours better reflect people’s work schedules and holidays.

3. Provide  Animal Care:

• – Provide basic emergency vet care for sick and injured animals.
• – Continue to partner with volunteer rescue groups who provide vet care in critical cases.

4. Community Outreach:

• – “Adopt A Pound Pet” campaign to educate, inspire and engage the community.

Although the report was well received, it remains to be seen what real changes will be implemented.   More… The St. Thomas Dog Blog.  There is also information on our Shelter & Pound Awareness page.