The Ontario SPCA Responds to the Announcement of the Closure of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 4, 2011) - The Ontario SPCA is saddened to hear of the closure of the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society (TBDHS).

The TBDHS is a separate non-profit organization from the Ontario SPCA and as such, have their own operations and fundraising initiatives. The TBDHS is affiliated with our organization through their investigation services mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act.

Regardless of being a separate non-profit organization, the Ontario SPCA will offer support to our communities where we are able. Over the last two years, the Ontario SPCA has invested significant resources in the TBDHS board and staff, to build a sustainable organization. The Ontario SPCA has assisted the TBDHS board in developing a new organizational vision as well as providing advice for fundraising strategies. The Ontario SPCA has sent staff to the TBDHS to provide staff and volunteer training in progressive adoption strategies. In 2008, the TBDHS was granted close to $262,500.00 from the Ontario SPCA to assist in their operations and facility improvements.

In today's economy the Ontario SPCA recognizes the difficulties that an organization can come across when fundraising. The Ontario SPCA has reached out to lend a helping hand to the organization and will continue to offer advice and support where we are able. Currently, the Ontario SPCA is assisting the TBDHS by providing funding for the wages of their only paid Investigation and Enforcement Officer.

We want to encourage the public to support the TBDHS. Animal Welfare across Ontario needs the support of their communities to best care for the animals. To donate to the TBDHS we encourage you to visit www.tbayhumane.ca.

The Ontario SPCA wants to remind the public that when an Ontario SPCA Officer is unavailable, citizens can reach out to the Police to report cases of animal cruelty.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is an affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Adopt – Volunteer – Donate! Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002