Toronto Humane Society obtains full control of its shelter under a new court
approved agreement

OSPCA will leave THS shelter on April 12. THS will close the facility and reopen June 1

TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ - The Toronto Humane Society ("THS") is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement that will see THS management resume control of all operations of its shelter on April 12, at which time it will close for six weeks to re-train staff and implement new policies and animal-care guidelines, Bob Hambley, President of the THS announced today. The deal was approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice today in Toronto.

"The THS has earned the court's approval to resume full operations of its shelter," said Frank Addario, Criminal Lawyer, Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP. "The long excellent relationship between the THS and the citizens of Toronto will resume later this spring."

Under the terms of the deal, the THS will first complete the removal of the remaining 200+ cats, dogs and small domestic animals at the shelter. Most of the animals will be adopted out or boarded at other locations. In some cases animals that are too physically or mentally ill to make full recoveries for adoption will be euthanized as determined by an OSPCA/THS veterinarian. Following the departure of OSPCA officials on April 12, THS management will temporarily close the shelter to begin the retraining of staff in preparation for resuming full operations, including new animal admissions on June 1.

"During this period our staff will undergo comprehensive re-training from outside experts on the best practices of animal care. As well, the entire facility will undergo a thorough cleaning and obtain new equipment to improve operations," said Garth Jerome, Executive Director of the THS. "This short term closing will reap long term benefits to The Toronto Humane Society. We will come back stronger, wiser and better able to serve the animals Toronto's sick and abandoned animals."

Also in the agreement the THS Board of Directors shall call for a Special General Meeting of members for May 30, 2010, for the purpose of nominating and electing 15 new directors to the Board.

"Members of the THS can expect to see a substantially new Board following the May 30 meeting. We are looking forward to new ideas and new energy that will help the THS meet the needs of the thousands of sick, injured and abandoned animals that come to our shelter each year," said Bob Hambley, President of the THS. "Mr. Jerome has a two-year contract and his mandate is renewal. We have confidence he will successfully restore the THS to its place as one of Canada's leading animal welfare organizations."

The THS is a not-for-profit organization solely funded through charitable donations that has been delivering care to animals since 1887. Its mission is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering.

Frank Addario will be available for comment at noon at the THS.

For further information: Ian McConachie, Senior Communicator, Toronto Humane Society, [phone]