NEWS RELEASES

Edmonton Humane Society Response to Allegations of Sexual Violence and Impropriety at Coventry Homes PUBLIC STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON, AB JUNE 1, 2023 We recently became aware of allegations of sexual violence and impropriety at Coventry Homes. EHS has been a recipient of donations through Coventry Homes since 2008. The Edmonton Humane Society takes allegations of sexual violence extremely seriously and are deeply concerned about this situation. I want to assure our stakeholders that we are actively assessing the situation and gathering information to make informed decisions on our next steps as a recipient organization. At EHS, we value our staff and volunteers. It is one of our core values. We demonstrate this by: Providing a safe working environment. We have established robust policies and procedures to address workplace safety. We are committed to ensuring our employees and volunteers feel safe, respected and supported. Providing clear channels for individuals to report incidents of misconduct, including safety, harassment, abuse and sexual violence. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed such behavior to come forward, and we assure them that their concerns are taken seriously, handled confidentially and followed up with immediately. Taking reports seriously and investigating them swiftly, handling them confidentially and providing follow up information to the complainant. As we continue to gather information about this situation, we will update our [...]

Statement on Horrific Torture and Killing of a Cat in Northwest Edmonton MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON, AB (May 17, 2023) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is deeply saddened and concerned about the recent incident in which a cat was tortured and killed in the microwave during a break and enter in northwest Edmonton. “This is a horrific act of cruelty, and our hearts go out to the family who lost their beloved cat and witnessed the aftermath of this disturbing assault,” says CEO Liza Sunley. “We are thankful that Edmonton has a dedicated Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit (ACIU) who is taking this investigation seriously.” EHS urges anyone with information about this crime to come forward and contact Edmonton Police Service. “We also encourage parents, educators and community leaders to use this tragedy as an opportunity to teach young people about the importance of respecting the animals we share our world with,” added Sunley. “There is a well-established link between violence against animals and violence against humans, and it is crucial that we work together to prevent both.” As part of their efforts to foster the humane treatment of all animals, EHS offers Humane Education programming for kids and youth including camps and presentations for schools and groups. Research has shown that Humane Education can reduce and prevent violence towards [...]

EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY WORKING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN EDMONTON TO ASSIST EVACUEES MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UPDATE May 23, 2023  EHS has learned from our partners at the City of Edmonton that the temporary evacuation center set up at the Edmonton Expo Centre will be closing today at 4pm. EHS has supported our partners at the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre with donations to support evacuees during this time. We wish to thank our community for providing donations of items and monetary gifts to support pets impacted by the wildfires. We will continue to provide necessary items to those in need through direct pick-up at EHS, and though our ongoing partnerships such as Alberta SPCA and others as the need arises. While we don’t require any additional donations at this time, we will continue to use the donated items to support those impacted for as long as the need is there. UPDATE May 8, 2023  Current list of high need items include:   Plastic crates (all sizes)   XL wire crates   Dog and cat collars, harnesses and leashes   Large blankets and towels  Large dog toys  Cat litter and litter boxes  Dry dog and cat food  Timothy hay and food for small animals  New items and unopened food are preferred.  Donation bins are located outside our admitting doors.  Monetary donations can [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KITTENS FOUND IN BACKPACK HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING PETS EDMONTON, AB (February 8, 2023) – After two kittens were found abandoned in a child’s backpack last week in the St. Albert area, the Alberta SPCA and the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) are reminding pet guardians about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to prevent unwanted litters. The six-month-old kittens were found together, enclosed in a pink backpack in a ditch. The Alberta SPCA has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the young cats being left in this manner. “While it can be difficult to find homes for unwanted pets, it’s never acceptable to abandon an animal, especially in such a callous way,” says Alberta SPCA Provincial Supervisor, Peace Officer Stuart Dodds. “When Albertans take on the responsibility of owning or caring for a pet, they also accept the responsibility of finding their next home if they can no longer care for it.” The kittens – a grey and white female named Pixie and a ginger tabby male named Christofur - were brought into the care of EHS. Aside from having ear mites, they were found to be otherwise healthy. They have undergone a mandatory stray hold and been spayed and neutered and will be available for adoption on EHS’ website [...]

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY PROVIDING CARE TO 11 DOGS SEIZED FROM SHERWOOD PARK HOME EDMONTON, AB (February 3, 2023) – The 11 dogs seized by Strathcona County Enforcement Services and Strathcona County RCMP on January 28, 2023 are safely in the care of the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) and receiving medical treatment. Due to their neglected and malnourished condition, it will take a few weeks before they become available for adoption, as they recover and reach a healthy weight prior to their spay/neuter surgery. The dogs will be placed into foster care in the meantime. We are grateful that, with the support of our community, we can be here to provide a safe haven for animals who come from situations of neglect. We also wish to thank Strathcona County and the RCMP for their work on this case, and to the citizen who reported the concern, so the dogs could be removed from these unacceptable conditions. We cannot release any further details on the dogs at this time, as they are part of an active case. Questions regarding the case can be directed to the Strathcona County RCMP. When the dogs are ready for adoption, they will be on EHS’ website at edmontonhumanesociety.com/adoptables. Those who wish to support the care of these 11 dogs and the many other homeless, neglected [...]

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY STATEMENT ON EPS’ INVESTIGATION INTO HORRIFIC KILLING OF CAT EDMONTON, AB (December 22, 2022) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is deeply saddened and concerned about the recent incident in which a cat was killed by five teenage boys. “This is a horrific act of cruelty, and our hearts go out to the family of the cat as well as those who witnessed the assault. We are thankful that Edmonton has a dedicated Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit (ACIU) who is taking this investigation seriously,” says CEO Liza Sunley. EHS urges anyone with information about this crime to come forward and contact Edmonton Police Service. “We also encourage parents, educators, and community leaders to use this tragedy as an opportunity to teach young people about the importance of respecting the animals we share our world with,” added Sunley. “There is a well-established link between violence against animals and violence against humans, and it is crucial that we work together to prevent both.” As part of their efforts to foster the humane treatment of all animals, EHS offers Humane Education programming for kids and youth including camps and presentations for schools and groups. Research has shown that Humane Education can reduce and prevent violence towards people and animals through developing compassion and empathy. If you would like to [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ADOPTION FEES REDUCED FOR ‘ADORABLE ADOPT-A-THON’ Edmonton Humane Society encouraging pet adoptions with reduced fees until Sunday, June 5 Edmonton, AB (May 31, 2022) – Those who have been thinking of adding a new furry or feathered family member may wish to do so this week. For the first time since January 2020, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is reducing the adoption fees for all their animals during the ‘Adorable Adopt-a-thon’ until this Sunday, June 5. “We currently have over 60 animals – including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs - in search of new, loving families, and approximately 200 in our care,” said Liza Sunley, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society. “Our hope is that the reduced fees will nudge people who have been thinking of getting a new pet to come meet these adorable adoptable animals.” The animal shelter recently re-opened their doors to walk-in visitors after operating by appointment since the onset of the pandemic. Potential adopters can now view animals and initiate the adoption process either in-person or online. After submitting an adoption request, a consultation and meet-and-greet is set up to review the animal’s behaviour and medical history, and lifestyle needs, ensuring the adoption is a match for both the people and pet. “The companionship and unconditional love of a pet – [...]

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES RE-OPENING Animal shelter now open to walk-in adoptions after two years of operating by appointment Edmonton, AB (May 20, 2022) – In advance of the May long weekend, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has announced it is re-opening its doors, after operating by appointment for the past two years. Services including animal adoptions, Bingo’s Pet Shop, and the Muddy Paws dog wash will now be available on a walk-in basis as of today at 12 p.m. “Our incredible community has been so understanding and supportive through our service changes as we’ve navigated the pandemic with the rest of the world,” said Liza Sunley, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society. “These changes were invaluable to keeping our staff, volunteers, and greater community safe while maintaining our vital services for animals in need.” “While safety remains of the utmost importance with COVID-19 still a reality, we are thrilled we can now open the doors and welcome the community into our beautiful facility too.” The animal shelter was forced to close its doors in March 2020 with the uncertainty of the pandemic. Over time, programs and services were re-launched virtually or by-appointment, including animal adoptions. While potential adopters will now be able to view animals and initiate the adoption process in-person at the animal shelter, the option to [...]

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY SUPPORTS EPS’ ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION UNIT EDMONTON, AB (November 23, 2021) – The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is thrilled to learn today that the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has launched an Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit. EHS wholeheartedly supports the move by EPS to have a dedicated unit for investigating concerns of animal cruelty. Animal abuse persists in our community, and we see first-hand in our work caring for animals the unfortunate lasting effects that it can have on the those involved. It is critical that these cases be attended to by law enforcement professionals both for the protection of animals as well as people. The evidence of the violence link between harm towards animals and people is undeniable, and with focused, timely attention on these cases by EPS the lives of both animals and people will be saved. We are proud to be in a community with a police service that recognizes the importance of the violence link and applaud EPS for their steps to address it with this new investigation unit. We look forward to continuing working with Const. Ilka Cunningham, Const. Ted Dyck, the newly formed ACIU team, as well as our partners at the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre to provide our services in whatever way we can [...]

New Partnership Aims to Prevent Surrenders of Sick & Injured Pets Edmonton Humane Society and Tails of Help Launch Pilot Project to Keep Pets with their Families We're thrilled to announce today that we have joined forces with Tails of Help, another local charity, to launch a new pilot project that aims to reduce surrenders of sick and injured pets when their guardians face financial hardship. The goal during this pilot is to help one family per month receive essential veterinary care for their pet due to unexpected, one-time incidents so that they can keep their pet in their home. “We’ve all faced tough times in life where one unexpected bill – such as for a sick or injured pet – forces us to make an impossible choice,” said Liza Sunley, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society. “It’s a heartbreaking decision for someone to have to surrender or euthanize their pet because they cannot afford the necessary veterinary care. With this program, Tails of Help and EHS can help them get through these challenges and maintain that human-animal bond.” Of the nearly 500 companion animals who were surrendered into EHS’ care in the past 18 months, just over 10% of them were due to financial hardship or pet health-related reasons. This is consistent with the rate that was seen in 2019, [...]