NEWS RELEASES

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 [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES NEW CEO EDMONTON, AB (March 12, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society’s (EHS) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Liza Sunley as Chief Executive Officer. “There is enormous opportunity for EHS and we couldn’t be happier that Liza is joining our team,” said EHS Board Chair, Summer Bradko. “As we look to the future, we are confident she will guide our dedicated employees and nearly 1,400 volunteers to realize our significant potential and help us become even more effective at what we do best: caring for animals.” Sunley was previously the Chief Operating Officer of the Bissell Centre, a large non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty, and the Executive Director of Lorena Shelter, a women’s emergency shelter. “We are confident that Liza’s leadership will position us for greater success with key stakeholders and help us achieve our vision to be a model of excellence in the advancement of animal welfare,” added Bradko. Sunley will officially start with EHS on March 27, 2019. About the Edmonton Humane Society As a leader in the advancement of animal welfare, the Edmonton Humane Society enriches the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement. The charity has been serving animals in Edmonton and area for over 110 years. -30- [...]

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT FROM EHS ON CITY COUNCIL’S APPROVAL OF ANIMAL PROTECTION BUSINESS MODEL EDMONTON, AB (March 12, 2019) – The Edmonton Humane Society is pleased with City Council’s decision to approve the proposed Edmonton model for animal protection enforcement. We commend City administration for researching and proposing a model which will ensure enforcement can be conducted seven days a week and believe animal welfare in our city will be better served as a result of this decision. EHS made the difficult decision for our organization to end enforcement after voluntarily providing the service for decades, recognizing that we are not experts in this field. We want to see it done well by those who have the expertise and resources to carry out this vital service. As advocates for advancing animal welfare, we are committed to serving animals in the ways we best can; through providing shelter, veterinary care, behavioural services, rehabilitation and re-homing for animals in need, including those who come from situations of abuse and neglect. This change will allow us to re-focus on these core services. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the City of Edmonton and Animal Care & Control Centre to ensure the welfare of animals in our city. -30-

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY (EHS) REMINDS PET OWNERS TO SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS THIS WORLD SPAY DAY Programs such as EHS’ Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) help to  address pet overpopulation in the community. EDMONTON, AB (February 26, 2019) – Today marks World Spay Day, and the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is using the opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. “Beyond preventing a surprise, unwanted litter, there are medical and behavioural benefits to getting your pet spayed or neutered,” says Dr. Disa Boyd, shelter veterinarian at EHS. “The lifespan of pets that have been fixed is often longer, as spaying and neutering can prevent certain types of cancers and infections. It can also help to mitigate behaviour concerns, such as roaming and spraying urine.” The cost of the surgery can be prohibitive for some pet owners however. This is why EHS launched their Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program in 2012, to provide low-income pet owners in Edmonton and area a low-cost option for getting their pets fixed. The program recently received a grant of $31,000 from PetSmart Charities of Canada to continue through 2019, and also receives funding through the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC). “The Edmonton Humane Society’s PALS program is a leading example of [...]

An Open Letter to Humane Society Supporters and Animal Lovers in our Community The following letter was originally published in the Edmonton Journal on February 9, 2019.  When I volunteered to become Chair of the Edmonton Humane Society’s Board of Directors last May, it was an easy decision. As an animal lover myself, I was inspired by the important work the more than 110-year-old not-for-profit does every day, saving lives and giving animals a second chance they may not otherwise have. The recent decision the Edmonton Humane Society Board made with regards to ending enforcement of the Animal Protection Act was not as easy. This decision led to a lot of sleepless nights, and I want to share why with you. I recognize that this change came as a surprise to many in our community. Like you, we wondered if not us, who would ensure that animal protection legislation was enforced? This is the answer we were hoping to confirm before sharing the news with you. As advocates for animal welfare, we believe animal protection is a vital service for our community. We approached both municipal and provincial levels of Government with our concerns and questions, but after decades of voluntarily carrying out this work, it seemed there was no back-up plan. That’s why we were working hard behind-the-scenes, calling, emailing and meeting with various [...]