http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/newsandevents/pressreleases.asp

2009
Animal Care Review Board Decision
Toronto – December 4th

Toronto, ON – Yesterday Ontario’s Animal Care Review Board ruled against the three of the four animal care orders issued by the Ontario Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) in its June 2009 search of the Toronto Humane Society’s River Street location.

The Board ruled that Care Compliance Orders involving three cats under the care of the Society’s veterinarians were “not based on reasonable grounds.”

It would be interesting to know how many animals the BCSPCA has seized "not based on reasonable grounds". Unlike the Toronto Humane Society, with the finances to hire good lawyers, most people who have their animals seized have little money for lawyers. One did, John van Dongen, and the court determined that some of the SPCA's highest law enforcers had made an "illegal" and "unlawful" seizure.

In its decision the Board stated, “Because of the nature of the THS facility, which takes in animals that are abandoned, abused, or surrendered by people who are unable or unwilling to provide veterinary care, a significant proportion of the animals, at the time of their admittance, are sick and in pain and suffering and, therefore are in distress, as defined in the Act”. This is a welcome acknowledgment of the difficult job that the THS is asked to perform.

In its decision, the Board noted that on June 2nd there were over 1000 animals in the Toronto Humane Society and Hospital. The evidence at the hearing showed that one sick cat “slipped through the cracks”. Happily, the cat in question is healthy and has been adopted to a loving home.

“As an organization, we are constantly re-evaluating our performance, and we are listening to our members and supporters,” said Hambley. “We are also listening carefully to the Board. We know there may be areas in which we can be better. The public has my assurance as the new President that I’m working on that every day.”