Latest News - Ottawa Humane Society

How the System is Failing Abused and Neglected Animals

When I started working for the Ottawa Humane Society 21 years ago, I was shocked to learn that the cost of enforcement of animal cruelty legislation fell to our donors. I thought it was absurd that the cost of investigations, laying charges, and removing and caring for abused and neglected animals would not be borne by the public purse. I likened it to anti-smoking legislation...

Jun 10, 2021

We All Know It

Many years ago, when I was a schoolboy, I was taught that there were two fundamental differences between humans and animals: the use of tools and sentience.

Now, of course, we recognize at least three errors in this teaching. Humans are animals, and since the time I was in school, many other species have been observed to use tools.

Jun 03, 2021

Mother Cat Found Alone, Injured and Fending for Three Kittens

Last month, an injured mother cat and her three kittens were admitted to the OHS. With a broken leg that pierced her skin, the mother, Lucky, was found fending for herself and nursing her kittens.

After arriving at the OHS, an X-ray revealed that Lucky’s leg was beyond repair.

Jun 02, 2021

Where are the Dogs?

I often am asked why there are so few dogs available for adoption on our website. There are a few reasons. For one thing, the number of dogs admitted to the OHS — both stray and surrendered by their owners — has dropped regularly over the years. Shelters across North America have been observing this pattern and are thankful for the downward trend.

May 27, 2021

Small Steps in a Long Journey

I have talked a lot about the importance of buyer responsibility when searching for a new puppy. While it is true that individual consumers can drive change and help eliminate cruel businesses, it begs the question of how are these businesses allowed to exist in the first place.

May 20, 2021

Another Victim of Ontario’s Lax Approach to Zoos

On May 8, a kangaroo named Willow died after escaping from Papanack Park Zoo. The zoo, located east of Ottawa, is notorious for longstanding allegations of animal cruelty and abuse.

Witnesses reported seeing Willow cross the road while already suffering from serious injuries, with blood and exposed bone.

May 13, 2021

Saving Lives with Communication

Over the past several years, as a part of our five-year strategic plan, the OHS has greatly expanded the volume of communication to our community and our supporters. Why? Well, if we are truly committed to a brighter future for animals, we need to do more than rescue them when they are sick, injured, lost or abused. We need to confront the issues that brought them to such dire circumstances. To do this, we need to create awareness, provide information and education and we need to support our community in caring for and about pets, wildlife and even livestock.

May 06, 2021

I Did Then What I Knew How to Do

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
Maya Angelou

I grew up in the late 60s and 70s, just after the peak of the civil rights movement. It seemed to me then that equality and social justice were inevitable – everything would just keep getting better, even if it would happen slowly.

Apr 29, 2021

Ottawa Humane Society Achieves Prestigious Accreditation by Humane Canada

The Ottawa Humane Society is proud to announce it has received prestigious accreditation by Humane Canada’s Accreditation Program, recognizing excellence in animal care and welfare.

Apr 22, 2021

First in the Country

I tend to get credit for a lot of the good things that the Ottawa Humane Society does and the organization that it has become. While that is very flattering, I know it takes a lot of people to make an organization work. At the OHS, it’s a slightly magical combination of a professional staff, committed volunteers, a progressive board of directors, and a supportive community.

Apr 22, 2021