October 20, 2016
“…and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.” Albus Dumbledore
You may have read that a judge reinstated the affiliate status of the Ottawa Humane Society on Monday.
Among his comments, Justice Ray said the suspension of the OHS, “needs to be acknowledged by all parties that it was wrong.” His written finding about the OSPCA actions were that, “Many of these decisions were taken without regard to procedural safeguards and contrary to certain statutory and regulatory provisions.” Very unfortunately, the judge did not extend his order to the OHS agents as yet. That will have to wait for the moment, until at least a court-ordered AGM in November.
You may wonder why this is important. Why would the OHS and six other of the largest OSPCA affiliates across the province even bother to take action against the OSPCA? Wouldn’t it be easier just to go with the flow?
Well, I can only speak for myself. I have very deep concerns about what has taken place over the past few months. I am concerned about a provincial police force with no oversight. I am concerned when communities are left out of decision making. I am concerned when boards hold secret meetings and suspend the voting rights of its members. I am concerned when new bylaws are created extending the term of office of board members who should have stepped down already, having served out their six-year terms. I am concerned about trying to silence anyone who speaks out about these things. I worry about who will be next. And I am most concerned about the future of animal welfare in Ontario if these problems aren’t fixed.
Bruce Roney
Executive Director