To the editor:
Clearly, there are problems at the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society; problems that have resonated over a period of years and, I suspect, go far beyond the health and safety of staff and animals at the shelter. Why else are people being dismissed without cause and/or resigning outright? More to the point, why is the Board of Directors not taking their staff's complaints seriously?
If, as the Board claims, there is nothing to these recent allegations, perhaps it would be prudent to bring in someone from the Ontario Health and Safety Board to do an independent inspection and issue a final report stating as much for everyone's peace of mind. On the other hand, if there are problems that need addressing, spend the money to fix them and put the matter to rest once and for all. Better to spend a little now than much more later on when someone, whether is be a person or an animal, is hurt (or worse) and there is an unwanted lawsuit. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Where is the Board's sense of self-preservation, and why do these things always have to end up in an unnecessary tug-of-war between otherwise intelligent and caring adults?
As a monthly donor to the local Humane Society, I am naturally concerned for the welfare of all those who either work or reside there. I am also concerned, however, that if minor problems of this nature are simply being ignored rather than addressed responsibly and professionally, how can we be sure that our charitable donations are being dealt with in a mature and responsible manner? Something to think about.
Louise Fisher,
Thunder Bay, Ont.
