TORONTO, March 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) today asked a simple question: "Why not tell your readers the whole story, Toronto Star?"
"When big media organizations fail to include hard facts in their story, they are doing their own readers a great disservice," said Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Director and CEO of the HSC.
O'Sullivan was referring to the months-long efforts of two Toronto Star reporters, an "investigation" that has been aided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). For months, the Star has been publishing false and defamatory allegations about the HSC, relying upon CRA claims. Many of the claims have been proven to be false, and where mistakes were made, the expenses were repaid.
As has happened with many other non-governmental agencies, the HSC was targeted by CRA "audits" during the Harper government era. These audits were aimed at punishing NGOs whose "politics" were at odds with then then-governing Conservative party. The HSC has had a long history of advocating against the seal hunt on the East coast, and whale hunts on the West coast.
HSC took CRA to court, and provided evidence to back up the expense claims.
"The Toronto Star alleges that HSC engaged in wrongdoing, because it purchased vintage comic books as investments," said O'Sullivan. "But they declined to tell their readers that they already possessed proof - even photographic proof - that the comics and other materials were resold at more than twice their value, and that those profits were re-invested in HSC."
The items were sold to facilitate the animal welfare work the HSC does (see attached photograph of HSC sales booth at Fan Expo Canada 2013). The HSC is considering its options, O'Sullivan said, including possible legal action against the two Toronto Star reporters and the CRA.
O'Sullivan added that donors and supporters should rest assured that his organization will continue to operate, and added that any support would be gratefully received. "We intend to keep doing what we have done for many years - protecting animals. Scare tactics from media and the government will not stop the outstanding work we do," concluded O'Sullivan.
The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) works to protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits and small animals, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. It carries out programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, use a multidisciplinary approach, support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres, and spread the word about how to help animals and nature through humane education. The only organization of its kind, HSC works across the street, across Canada and around the world helping people, animals and the environment.
HSC has depended entirely on donations to support our programs to help animals and the environment. All donations have been gratefully acknowledged with a receipt for income tax purposes. If you would still like to support our educational campaigns that protect animals and the environment please make a donation here.
Because when it comes to fighting cruelty and violence, we don't give up. Ever.
SOURCE The Humane Society of Canada
Image with caption: "Humane Society of Canada booth at Fan Expo ComiCon 2013 (CNW Group/The Humane Society of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160316_C9053_PHOTO_EN_44715.jpg
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