First, we have the threatened derailment of the emergence of a new and improved THS with the shrill, self-righteous lies and half-lies of the Trow crowd as he seeks to reestabilsh his fiefdom.
Second, we now have Ford Nation beginning its swatch of destruction to City Services. As wrong as it seems, the welfare, care, adoption and shelter of Toronto's animals are under their aegies. With an estimated budgetary shortfall of more than $700 million, Ford et al. will be frantically searching for ways to cut budgets. Fred of Pound Dogs says it very well here. Social Mange also sounds the alarm here. I URGE you to check out these blogs (particularly Fred's) for some crucial information.
The reality is that the LAST place that people should look for cutbacks and changes are Toronto Animal Services. That last few years have seen some radical changes to the potential fate of Toronto's animals. From the horror at the THS to the arrogant mishandling still being exhibited by the OSPCA, oddly, a beacon for change for the good has been Toronto Animal Services.
There is no question that I, together with many others, would love to see TAS adopt a "no-kill" philosophy- it can and has been successfuly achieved by cities from larger than our own. However, that aside, I have very favourably impressed with the positive changes I have seen over the past many years.
I was told, many years ago when I got my first dog, that TAS at that point sold dogs (and other animals) to research faclities (if I am wrong, please advise) - a horror no animal should have to experience but somehow worse for animals accustomed to being cherished and loved by their humans. My Lass would have been the perfect candidate. The larger size preferred (a collie/shephard) mix, docile, sweet and submissive, she was a research scientist's dream subject. Instead, we adopted this emaciated, frightened little girl- then 3 years ago and a pathetic 44 lbs (her "good" weight was around 75) and loved her to distraction for the next 13 years. One day, when I can write without crying every moment, I will write about my Lass.
TAS back then was basically a clearing house ... euthanasia rates were out of sight (but keeping in mind that at that time - around 1990, even the THS euthanized every 3 days!!). The "pounds" were rudimentary and the care given minmal. City workers with no experience but based on seniority tended creatures that deserved and needed care and knowledgeable hands.
For many years now there has been an incredible change in philosophy. The emphasis has gone from seeing animals as a commodity, in many ways an inconvenience to the City, and become instead, individuals working within the system with compassion, knowledge and caring. The facilities are so much more animal- friendly, and animals that once would have had no chance due to health, behavioural or emotional issues are, on many occasions, given that extra chance.
I know animal control officers that bring home sick kittens, help rehab dogs, create a rich, fulfulling atmosphere for the animals under their care.
These officers have already had their shifts cut.
Now Ford is suggesting a privitized animal control is preferable.
Has anyone read the newspapers recently?
Think Berger Blanc... the profit-based corporation which deals with Montreal's animals - horribly, cruelly and without mercy. There is nothing special about this organization, nothing outstanding or unusual - it is in fact, exactly what it purports to be - PROFIT-BASED.
(see the Facebook page on this organization or see Fred's blog for an excellent (yet horrific) interview on investigations that have recently revealed horrors within the walls of that place). The montrealdogblog covers it extensively).
The reality is that when profit enters into the picture- compassion and caring become bottom line commodities. When it is all about the numbers, feeling, caring, helpless animals merely become ink on a page. Lives which could enrich and enhance instead become liabilities.
Make yourself heard.
Register here for the information meetings on the subject and make yourself heard (you must sign up if you wish to attend - PLEASE ATTEND).
At a minimum, take a few minutes and fill out this online survey to tell City Hall YOUR Toronto does not include making animals a commodity ...
(thanks Fred, for the links).
Please make yourselves heard... the animals of Toronto need you.
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