NEWS RELEASES

NOTICE OF BLACKBAUD CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT August 7, 2020 On July 16, 2020 the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) was advised of a data security incident that may have involved the personal information of our supporters. EHS takes the protection and proper use of your donor information very seriously and in the interest of transparency, we are committed to providing details of the incident. What Happened We were notified by Blackbaud, the third-party service provider who hosts the database used in managing EHS’ fundraising activities, of a security incident. At this time, we understand Blackbaud discovered and stopped a ransomware attack. After discovering the attack, Blackbaud’s Cyber Security team—together with independent forensics experts and law enforcement— successfully prevented the cybercriminal from blocking their system access and fully encrypting files and ultimately expelled them from their system. Prior to locking the cybercriminal out, the cybercriminal removed a copy of the EHS backup file containing personal information of our supporters. This occurred at some point beginning on February 7, 2020 and access could have incurred intermittently until May 20, 2020. Because protecting customers’ data is their top priority, our third-party service provider, Blackbaud, paid the cybercriminal’s demand with confirmation that the copy they removed containing EHS’ data had been destroyed. Based on the nature of the incident, Blackbaud’s research, and third party (including law enforcement) investigation, Blackbaud has [...]

COVID-19 Updates from EHS This page will be updated regularly with information about how EHS is responding to COVID-19 as the situation develops. Please check back regularly. Have questions on how COVID-19 may impact your pets or looking for resources to support them through this pandemic? See COVID-19 Resources for Pet Guardians CURRENT STATUS OF PROGRAMS/SERVICES Status Legend: Modified - program/service is currently running with changes On Hold / Temporarily Closed - program/service is not running at this time Cancelled - program/service will not be running in 2020 For details on our phased re-launch, click here. Program or Service Current Status Expected Opening Admitting Modified Limited intake of animals by appointment dependent on availability, including: emergencies, surrenders, and healthy stray dogs and small animals (found outside Edmonton). For information on surrendering a pet, click here. For emergencies or strays found outside Edmonton, call 780-491-3522. Adoptions Modified Online adoption process with meet-and-greet by appointment. Cats & Small Animals – virtual meet-and-greet and curbside pick-up. Dogs – outdoor meet-and-greet (masks required). Click here for details. Bingo's Pet Shop Temporarily Closed Closed as of Saturday, December 12. Re-opening date TBD. Central Bark Off-Leash Dog Park Temporarily Closed Closed as of Wednesday, November 24. Re-opening date TBD. Cremations Modified By appointment only. Click here for details. Doggie Daycare Permanent Closed Closed as of Friday, January [...]

IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHELTER OPENING DELAYED TODAY DUE TO POWER OUTAGE Due to a current power outage in our area, the opening of our shelter will be delayed until at least 2 p.m. today, Sunday November 17th. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please check back here for updates. --

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY RESPONSE TO RECENT CAT SEIZURE EDMONTON, AB (October 22, 2019) – We were saddened to learn about the recent animal cruelty case which resulted in 39 cats being euthanized at Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC). Of the remaining cats, we can confirm that four were transferred into EHS’ care on October 4 and 5. Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to euthanize one of the cats for medical reasons as its condition was not improving. The remaining three cats are well enough for re-homing. We cannot comment on their conditions however and will not be revealing their identities due to the ongoing investigation and for the safety of the cats. We want to express our thanks to our partners at Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC) and Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for their work on this case. We are grateful that the cats have been removed from this situation so that they can be relieved of their suffering, and that we could be a part of the journey to finding three of them a home where they will be well-loved and cared for. We would like to take this opportunity to remind the community the importance of reporting any concerns for animals who may be neglected or abandoned to the City of Edmonton [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY UNVEILS MOBILE SPAY AND NEUTER UNIT New mobile program will expand the reach of the Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program through removing transport barrier EDMONTON, AB (September 24, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is taking its spay and neuter services on the road, introducing a new mobile surgical unit to the community at the Bissell Centre today. The new vehicle will help the Society to make its Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) spay and neuter program more accessible. “We are very proud to see the dream of having a mobile spay and neuter vehicle realized, and excited for the possibilities it brings for our Prevent Another Litter Subsidy program,” said Liza Sunley, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society. “This project has been in progress for three years now and was made possible thanks to our generous donors, including the Gordon & Diane Buchanan Family Foundation.” Spay and neuter surgeries will be taking place in the mobile unit today at the Bissell Centre as part of a pilot project for the mobile program, so EHS can plan for a full launch in 2020. EHS is also hoping to connect with community members to raise awareness for the program and discuss the other barriers that exist, so they can continue to make it more accessible. [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOGS AND PUPPIES FROM RECENT ANIMAL PROTECTION CASE PLACED IN QUARANTINE AS A PRECAUTION EDMONTON, AB (August 16, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has placed the Havanese dogs and puppies who were involved in a recent animal protection case in quarantine. The decision comes after EHS was notified on Wednesday that one of the dogs from the case, who had been transferred to another organization, has been showing symptoms of canine distemper. “We have the dogs in quarantine out of an abundance of caution” said Catherine Stevenson, Director of Operations at the Edmonton Humane Society. “At this time we have no reason to believe the dogs in our care are ill, and this precautionary step will allow our medical team to closely monitor the dogs for any symptoms and prevent the potential spread of disease.” The first group of dogs were transferred to EHS last Friday from the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC). EHS has taken in 30 dogs and puppies from the case so far. Seven of the 30 dogs had been medically cleared for adoption on Wednesday morning, and EHS received the news of the possible distemper case after the dogs became available. All seven dogs already have families interested in them, however the adoptions in progress have been paused while [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOGS AND PUPPIES FROM RECENT ANIMAL PROTECTION CASE BEGIN TRANSFER TO EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY The transfer is the next step towards new homes for the 72 dogs and puppies seized. EDMONTON, AB (August 9, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has started accepting dogs and puppies who were a part of the large seizure conducted by the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC) last week. The transfer is the next step for the dogs on their way to eventually be re-homed.  “We are thankful to our partners at Animal Care & Control Centre for bringing these dogs to safety and are glad that we can be a part of their journey to their new lives” said Catherine Stevenson, Director of Operations at the Edmonton Humane Society. “The dogs will first undergo exams by our medical team and we will determine the next steps from there. Most of them will be placed in foster homes until they are ready for their spay and neuter surgeries.” The 72 dogs and puppies were seized from a rural property in northeast Edmonton by Animal Care & Control Officers and Edmonton Police Service, after they received a complaint on July 26. Gloria Sears has been charged under both the Animal Protection Act and Criminal Code of Canada in connection with [...]

Adopting a shelter or rescue pet can have its challenges, especially when their history is unknown. However, the rewards can be more than we ever imagined. Recently we received this incredible update from the family of EHS pet Dakota, who was adopted from us six years ago... "For anyone on the fence about adopting listen up... now I really liked the idea of adopting a dog, but was not really up for it. The wife and kids really wanted a dog and kinda suckered me into going down to the Edmonton Humane Society to take a look around. There she was - a one-year-old Anatolian Shepard named Dakota. She was big but real quiet. The kids loved her and she cuddled up to me and well... yup she’s in the van on the way home. Now the first while was a challenge. She wasn’t completely house broken and loved to chew. Like all my hats, a cell phone, an e-reader, etc. I had just about had it till... One night the dog came up the stairs and into our room, now that was completely out of her character. She must have been abused, she cowered a lot and normally wouldn’t dare go on the stairs or upstairs. So when she came upstairs to wake us I knew there was something wrong. I raced down [...]

EDMONTON, AB (June 3, 2019) – EHS remains prepared and on alert to mobilize in response to wildfire evacuations in Northern Alberta. EHS remains committed to playing a role in supporting individuals and their companion animals as well as animals displaced by the crisis should the need arise. “We are grateful that a full scale evacuation has not been called,” says Catherine Stevenson, Director of Shelter Operations. “Our concern is always the impact on the community and animals in care as well as those that may be displaced. We will continue to monitor the situation and stay in touch with our partners in the community to assess risk and response.” EHS’ Shelter will remain positioned to accept stray animals affected by the wildfires and to provide supplies to individuals who are evacuating to Edmonton as well as to rescue organizations who mobilize in affected areas. Individuals and organizations requiring assistance can contact EHS at our main number 780-471-1774, Admissions Desk 780-491-3522, or Adoptions Desk 780-491-3500 for more information. Individuals wishing to provide volunteer support for animals affected by the northern wildfires can contact EHS’ foster program at https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/how-to-help/volunteer/foster-care-program/ to inquire about opportunities for fostering animals who may come under our care. Inquiries regarding general volunteer opportunities can be directed to volunteer@edmontonhumanesociety.com. Animal care supplies can be dropped off to the Edmonton Humane Society. High-need [...]

EDMONTON, AB (May 31, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is working with community partners in Edmonton to mobilize and prepare for an evacuation order due to the wildfires in Northern Alberta. EHS will provide regular updates as to our role in supporting individuals and their companion animals as well as animals displaced by the crisis. EHS’ Shelter will be accepting stray animals affected by the wildfires and providing needed supplies to individuals who are evacuating to Edmonton as well as to rescue organizations who have identified a need and are mobilized in the affected areas. Individuals and organizations requiring assistance can contact EHS at our main number 780.471.1774, Admissions Desk 780.491.3522, or Adoptions Desk 780.491.3500 for more information. Individuals wishing to provide volunteer support for animals affected by the northern wildfires can contact EHS’ foster program at https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/how-to-help/volunteer/foster-care-program/ to inquire about opportunities for fostering animals who may come under our care. Inquiries regarding general volunteer opportunities can be directed to volunteer@edmontonhumanesociety.com. Animal care supplies can be dropped off to the Edmonton Humane Society. High-need items include pet food, bedding supplies, cat litter and carriers. Supplies will be made available to individuals who are evacuating to Edmonton as well as to rescue organizations who have identified a need and are mobilized in the affected areas. Edmonton Humane Society - 13620 163 St NW [...]