Summary

While I am grateful that the OSPCA is making an effort to dispel the atmosphere of distrust and secrecy, I am not entirely convinced that their efforts were successful. The obvious bond between the group ART and themselves is obvious and, in my opinion, incestuous; however, at least my reading of the situation between the two groups has been unequivocally confirmed.

So, my reading based on last night’s meeting is as follows:

• Euthanasia policy is open-ended. Despite assurances that it is medical professionals that make such decisions based on medical reasoning, that (by admission of the OSPCA) is not always the case. The THS has been, proudly, for many years a ‘no-kill’ facility. While under the aegis of Tim Trow, that designation was bastardized and twisted into a form of cruelty, I know myself and many individuals (not just volunteers, but members and donors) want passionately to keep it a “no kill” facility within humane boundaries. The OSPCA does not and has never claimed to be a “no kill” facility in the best interpretation of that term. I believe that the THS SHOULD remain as such, with proper application of that term as it is intended to be applied.
•  No Returns: Currently still OSPCA directed policy. Many of us continue to see it as immoral.
• Intakes: We will watch hopefully for the promised opening of the THS (Ms. McDonald indicated it could be as recent as in the next two weeks) to intakes once again. I, for one, intend to pursue with OSPCA and THS staff, what the parameters of intakes will entail. What in fact, are clear delimitations of ‘acceptable intakes’. This is an URGENT issue. Not only because we are all concerned about the animals that are being turned away or never arriving, but for the revitalization of the THS it is crucial!
• Pit Bulls: Our legal pits must and should be made available for adoption. Our illegal pits are currently in a very tenuous and dangerous position (clearly indicated by last night’s meeting). We must continue to fight for their right to a long and happy life and NOT allow them to be condemned for being born in wrong province. If, as Ms. McDonald mentioned, they must be transported without stopping in Ontario, myself and several other volunteers are MORE than willing to do as many hours of driving as is necessary (even in shifts) to get our beautiful dogs to safe haven.
• Yellow/Red Designated Dogs: Although only briefly touched on, we feel strongly that these dogs must be revisited for the reason why they are not considered adoptable. With three highly certified dog experts currently on staff, it is a waste of resources NOT to use them to deal with these wonderful dogs! We would also ask that the OSPCA seriously consider our request that certain volunteers (whose abilities they can judge) can sign waivers and be allowed to walk these dogs.
• Foster Program: As indicated above, no argument with ensuring all foster homes are adequate and the animals are in safe, nurturing environments. 
• FIV/Medical Issues with Cats: We were happy that the OSPCA confirmed that cats with manageable medical issues and FIV-positive felines CAN be considered adoptable. However, we would appreciate some clarification on what the “URGENT” designation means when the emails and/or website items go up. When finding a home (foster or adoptive) is “URGENT” – does this mean that the cat has a limited time in which to find save haven? And is so, why? 
• I was told, that part of the issue might be there is now apparently a scoring system in place for the animals. The problem that arises with this system for the FIVs is that “length of stay” and “underlying medical concerns” are on the scorecard. A double whammy for them if they develop other medical complications, especially those that are treatable or minor, since FIV is obviously an “underlying condition” (despite the fact it’s only in the last decade that vets new about it and started testing for it, and many cats are never even tested at the THS or other shelters – our guys just have the mis/fortune of looking a little rough so they get tested) and that condition means it takes a bit longer to find them homes. Plus for so long the FIV room was almost impossible for anyone to see into and there was no obvious notice on the door that the cats inside were adoptable.