2018 - Edmonton Humane Society

News Release: Independent Investigation Recommends Changes at Edmonton Humane Society Following Cat Transport Incident

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION RECOMMENDS CHANGES AT EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY FOLLOWING CAT TRANSPORT INCIDENT EDMONTON, AB (December 20, 2018) – An independent investigation has found that a combination of unfortunate events, human error and operational shortcomings at the Edmonton Humane Society led to an incident where three cats were accidentally left in a transport van for 22 days last spring. “The Edmonton Humane Society deeply regrets what happened and is committed to learning from this difficult chapter in our more than 110 year history,” said Summer Bradko, Edmonton Humane Society Board Chair. “This third-party investigation has been an important step in identifying what went wrong and what we need to fix at EHS. Although we have already made changes to improve our processes, we still have work to do and will continue to evolve as an organization and to advance animal welfare in our community.” The investigation confirmed that the three male cats - Magic, Chance & Lucky - survived the incident and were later treated for minor injuries and adopted to new families. The Edmonton Humane Society’s Board of Directors commissioned the independent investigation last June in order to determine exactly how the incident happened and make recommendations to improve the non-profit organization’s animal welfare and staff practices and protocols. Former Edmonton City Councillor Kim Krushell volunteered to oversee the investigation, which [...]

By EHS|2018-12-20T17:03:54-07:00December 20, 2018|

News Release: Edmonton Humane Society Appealing For Information In Neglected Dog Case

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY APPEALING FOR INFORMATION IN NEGLECTED DOG CASE Shih Tzu type dog was brought to the animal shelter after allegedly being left inside a garbage bag enclosed in a cardboard box in a parking lot. EDMONTON, AB (November 26, 2018) – The Edmonton Humane Society’s (EHS) Animal Protection Officers are requesting the public’s assistance in an attempt to identify the owner of a neglected dog brought into their care. The Shih Tzu-type dog was admitted to the animal shelter on November 3, 2018, after a Good Samaritan allegedly found the dog tied inside a garbage bag within a closed cardboard box and left in the northeast corner of the Costco parking lot located at 12450 149 Street NW, Edmonton. The dog is male, black and white in colour, and estimated to be five years of age. “The manner in which the dog was left and his condition upon arrival is extremely concerning,” said Peace Officer Bodnarchuk, Supervisor of Animal Protection Services at EHS. “In the entry exam, our medical team noted that his entire body was covered in dense mats tight to the skin, to the point where they were preventing him from defecating. The mats were also caked in urine and feces. Matting to this extent can cause discomfort and damage to the skin and joints, leading to pain. [...]

By EHS|2018-11-26T16:10:26-07:00November 26, 2018|

Closed For Adoptions on Saturday, October 27

IMPORTANT NOTICE: EHS Closed to Adoptions on Saturday, October 27 Due to circumstances beyond our control related to a number of large animal protection cases that have recently come into our care, we have made the decision to close our shelter's adoption gallery on Saturday, October 27, so our team can focus on the care and urgent medical needs of these animals. We will reopen for adoptions on Sunday, October 28, at 12 p.m. As these animal protection cases are still active and ongoing, we cannot release further details at this time. If you are able to help, we are in urgent need of various kinds of wet and dry cat food, including Meow Mix, Fancy Feast, Purina and Whiskas, as well as non-clumping clay litter and cat toys. Donations can be dropped off on the donation shelves inside our Education/Training entrance. All other scheduled programs including birthday parties, training classes, and Humane Education courses will proceed as normal. Parties signed up for these programs can enter through our Education/Training entrance (to the left of our Adoption Gallery doors). We thank you for your understanding and support.

By EHS|2018-10-26T18:26:15-06:00October 26, 2018|

News Release: Forever Home Found for Trio of Bonded Saint Bernard Dogs

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOREVER HOME FOUND FOR TRIO OF BONDED SAINT BERNARD DOGS Gasket, Gunther and Goliath have now been adopted from the Edmonton Humane Society and are settling in to their new home in Calgary. EDMONTON, AB (October 18, 2018) – The three Saint Bernard dogs who won the hearts of people worldwide are now in the comfort of their forever home with their newly adopted family. Gasket, Gunther and Goliath’s adoption was finalized at the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) on October 17. Their new family was chosen after EHS received hundreds of inquiries to adopt the dogs, which resulted in a week-long process of reviewing applications to narrow down potential adopters for both phone and in-person interviews. The family chosen is from Calgary and first saw the dogs’ story from a local media outlet online and said they immediately knew they would be a perfect fit. The couple are devoted proponents of adoption, having previously adopted numerous pets as well as one of their two children, who are ages 10 and 16. Gasket, Gunther and Goliath, along with the family’s other dog, will have plenty of room to run and play in their one-acre fenced yard. “We are beyond excited to be giving these three dogs their forever home,” said the family, who wishes to remain anonymous while they adjust to [...]

By EHS|2018-10-18T11:49:03-06:00October 18, 2018|

Media Statement: Update From The Edmonton Humane Society On Trio of Saint Bernard Dogs Looking For Their Forever Home

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UPDATE FROM THE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY ON TRIO OF SAINT BERNARD DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME EDMONTON, AB (October 10, 2018) – Since putting out the call for help to find a forever home for a trio of bonded Saint Bernard dogs, we have received an incredible response from interested adopters. Over 200 emails have come in so far from people who generously want to open their hearts and homes to these three dogs – including within Alberta, across the country, and even in the United States and Australia. Due to the overwhelming response, we are closing applications for the time being as we review the ones received and begin to schedule adoption interviews. We are hoping to find a suitable home closer to Edmonton as these dogs have been through a lot of change the last few months, and we want to minimize stress as much as possible for them. With the number of applications received, we are confident we will be able to find a forever home nearby for Goliath, Gunther and Gasket that will keep them together. Thanks to the power of social media, we have also had a few people come forward who knew these three pups when they were younger and have been able to share some more details on them. They have confirmed [...]

By EHS|2018-10-10T12:39:44-06:00October 10, 2018|

News Release: Trio of Saint Bernard Dogs Looking For Their Forever Home

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TRIO OF SAINT BERNARD DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME The Edmonton Humane Society is searching for a family to take in all three brothers, who are bonded with each other. EDMONTON, AB (October 9, 2018) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is facing a giant adoption challenge – literally. Three adult Saint Bernard dogs are looking for their forever home and must be adopted all together. Goliath, Gunther and Gasket were transferred in to EHS’ care from another animal welfare agency. The dogs are estimated to be approximately two years old. While friendly and playful, their behaviour assessment showed signs of the trio being bonded with each other, including high levels of anxiety, searching, and attempting to escape in order to find each other when separated. As a result, EHS is requiring that they go to the same home. “These three gentle giants have won over the hearts of staff and volunteers – even with the excessive drool,” said Jamey Blair, Manager of Animal Health & Protection at EHS. “While their status as bonded pets creates a unique challenge to find a home that can care for all 350 pounds of them, we are confident that there is a family out there who will give these three dogs their second chance.” “We also wanted to ensure their welfare and [...]

By EHS|2018-10-09T12:15:03-06:00October 9, 2018|

News Release: Edmonton Humane Society Announces Yoga for Mental Health & Wellness Program

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES YOGA FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM The class will integrate yoga and the power of animal interactions to support those living with mental health challenges. EDMONTON, AB (October 5, 2018) –The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is launching a one-of-a-kind program that integrates yoga and the power of the human-animal bond to support members of the community living with mental health challenges. The announcement comes during Mental Illness Awareness week, which educates people about the realities of living with mental illness. Yoga for Mental Health & Wellness is a six-week class beginning October 16 at the Edmonton Humane Society. An information session will be held on October 9 for both those signed up for the course and those interested in participating. “Research has shown that the presence of animals, whether one’s own pet or an unfamiliar pet, helps people to relax,” said Aimee Winegarden, Director of Resource Development at EHS. “Our Humane Education Department set out to create a course to put this knowledge into play and we’re excited to share the course with our community.” The six-week course has been created in partnership with Lisa Gaglione, a certified yoga instructor and registered nurse, who herself has experienced PTSD, anxiety and depression and used yoga as a tool to help manage the stress. Gaglione will be [...]

By EHS|2018-10-05T11:59:22-06:00October 5, 2018|

EHS Pet Update: Dozer and Baxter the bonded pair of dogs

In early August, we put the call out to find a special family for Baxter and Dozer, who had been waiting over two months for their forever family to find them (that's a long time in dog years!). This pair of pups were surrendered to the Edmonton Humane Society together in early June, and we knew we couldn't separate them. However, this meant finding a home that could take on a 12 year old Airedale Terrier who loves to sing, and his excitable little brother, a 5 year old Pit Bull cross. Two weeks later, a family approached us who were interested in taking these brothers home. They brought in two of their other dogs for a meet-and-greet, and to our relief everyone got along! Baxter and Dozer were finally heading home! Since arriving at their new home, we received this update from their Mom: "We wanted to let you know that Dozer and Baxter are doing really great with us! We’ve had not one issue with them, they get along perfectly with all the other dogs, they are gentle with the kids and we couldn’t be happier that they are a part of our family. We took them camping with us last weekend , there was about five other dogs there too and no problems. They both think [...]

By EHS|2018-09-19T11:34:12-06:00September 19, 2018|

EHS Pet Update: Boinga the cat

Boinga (formerly Cashew) was adopted from the Edmonton Humane Society in December 2017. Recently, we received this letter from his Mom: "To the wonderful staff and volunteers: thank you. How can I express this adequately?? I will try :) Last December, I adopted a six-month-old male black-and-white tuxedo kitty you'd named Cashew. He'd been with you about a month, and ‎you'd healed his three broken teeth, nourished him back from hunger, and treated a respiratory infection. Cashew had just gone up for adoption the very day I visited. He was playing with abandon with what looked like a sock. I picked him up, he gave me one kiss, settled down on my chest, and promptly fell asleep. Well... we were both goners at that moment. :) I brought Cashew home, opened the carrier, and out he came.... leaping and jumping with glee.... boing, boing, boing like a bouncing ball. I did end up renaming him Boing-a Boy, and it suits him!! Boinga emanates pure love. When others meet him, they fall in love. They say, "he's just not normal!" and I say, "I know! He just came that way!". He stands up on hind legs and reaches out his front paws to be picked up for hugs. And he does this with one and all!! He came knowing how to fetch (and it remains our [...]

By EHS|2018-09-19T10:37:29-06:00September 19, 2018|

News Release: Edmonton Humane Society Responds to Sentencing in Animal Neglect Case

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY RESPONDS TO SENTENCING IN ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE Justin Iverson pleaded guilty to one charge under the Animal Protection Act after a large number of dogs were seized from a breeding operation by the Edmonton Humane Society EDMONTON, AB (September 12, 2018) – Justin Iverson, 31, of Edmonton was sentenced on Friday, September 7 at the Provincial Court of Alberta after reaching a plea deal to charges laid under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta (APA). He received a $10,000 fine, however, is still able to own up to two dogs, both of which are required to be spayed or neutered. The maximum penalty for charges under the APA is a $20,000 fine and a lifetime ban from having custody of any animal. “In these types of cases we always want to see a lifetime prohibition from owning animals, to prevent the accused from causing harm in the future,” said Miranda Jordan-Smith, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS). “We are looking forward to the outcome of the pending criminal case and hope to see a stronger result based on the criminal code.” Iverson was charged with eight counts under the APA in December 2016 by the Edmonton Humane Society’s Animal Protection Officers after they seized 35 dogs from a property in Edmonton on two different dates, and an [...]

By EHS|2019-02-01T12:55:41-07:00September 12, 2018|

Yearly Archives: 2018