GUELPH – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) will continue providing protection to animals in Guelph and Wellington County, thanks to an agreement between the Ontario SPCA (OSPCA) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
A transitional period will ensure that GHS is able to continue enforcing the Ontario SPCA Act at least until June 28 this year.
On March 4, the OSPCA announced it would end its work in investigating and enforcing animal cruelty laws, intending to hand the role over to police forces.
This change would have removed authority from OSPCA agents, including those at GHS, as of April 1. The government accepted a three-month transition period offered by the OSPCA.
Currently, OSPCA agents in Guelph and Wellington County are employed through GHS and their authority is appointed to them by the OSPCA. Under the Ontario SPCA Act, only OSPCA agents and police officers have the authority to investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws.
GHS said there is uncertainty about new legislation and enforcement models.
Community members are encouraged to follow GHS on social media or through its website to stay up to date on this issue.
Last year alone, GHS investigated over 350 cases of cruelty and neglect.
“The Guelph Humane Society is committed to helping ensure that no animals fall through the cracks during this transition,” says Adrienne McBride, executive director of the GHS.
“We are working closely with our community partners, including the Guelph Police Service and Wellington County OPP to continue protecting all animals in Guelph and Wellington County.”
