CSPCA chief granted leave to battle stress

JASON MAGDER
The Montreal Gazette

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

The executive director of the controversy-plagued Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken an indefinite leave from his job.
Pierre Barnoti, who has been at the helm of the CSPCA since 1994, announced March 24 he would take a leave of absence for health reasons.
"He submitted his request for disability leave to the president last Monday," Donald Smith, the director said yesterday. "I don't think anyone could be attacked so relentlessly as he has been and not be affected."

Smith said Barnoti saw a doctor and is taking the doctor's advice by filing for disability leave.

He said he doesn't know what the doctor's assessment of Barnoti's condition is, but said he believed it's related to stress.

The CSPCA, with branches on Jean Talon St. in Montreal and in Laval, has been accused of financial mismanagement, unethical fundraising and unacceptably high euthanasia rates. Members of the group have forced a special meeting of the board April 9, at which they hope to chart a new course. There were 57 members who signed a petition requesting the meeting. There are several vacant seats on the board and one executive is up for election. Annual general meetings are usually held in October or November.

The meeting will take place at the Segal Centre, 5170 Côte Ste. Catherine Rd., at 7 p.m. Membership proof is required.