THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay District Humane Society is gaining national exposure, with the hopes that a little knowledge will go a long way in the North.
It was announced on Thursday that the Thunder Bay District Humane Society is the newest member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, a national network of animal welfare organizations that includes 52 humane societies and SPCAs across Canada.
“The reason why we joined was because it will give us a more national presence,” said Brenda Everts, president of the Board of Directors at the Thunder Bay District Humane Society. “We have unique challenges here in the North which obviously are not seen in other parts of the province.”
Not only will membership provide the Humane Society will national connections and exposure, it will also grant them access to a wide array of information and resources available to CFHS members.
“They will also provide a lot more support than we are seeing at this point with humane education programs and for us to be able to continue to provide support to the reserves and the general public,” Everts said.
Building on the resources and connections already made, Everts said the Humane Society is continuing to move forward with a new accessible spay and neuter clinic that will serve all of Northwestern Ontario.
Everts said following a budget approval, the Humane Society will be accepted into a mentorship program with the U.S. based organization, Humane Alliance.
“They will help us with recruiting and hiring staff and training staff and getting the clinic open” Everts said. “So it’s very exciting times for us right now. It’s not like we have to reinvent the wheel because they have done it many times.”
“Our goal is eventually once we get a vet on board, that our vet becomes mobile licensed and then we will head up into the reserves and offer spay neuter clinics for the reserves,” Everts continued. “At the same time, do any kind of rescues that are required or that we are asked to do.”
The Humane Society has faced many struggles this year, including several high-profile animal rescues, capacity issues, and an outbreak of kennel cough that temporary shutdown the local shelter for several weeks. But Everts said the Humane Society is now moving into more positive times.
“We are heading in a positive direction and we have been resilient through everything we have been through in the past eight months and everything is finally starting to come together and we are really excited for our future,” she said.
