Highlights from The LeSage/Meek Report on the OSPCA |
Background Events (pg 2)
Various media articles during the week of May 10, 2010 communicated there was a “ringworm outbreak” at the York Region shelter and that the OSPCA was embarking on a process of “mass euthanasia” to deal with it. The press also reported that the outbreak was of a particularly virulent strain of ringworm. As well, there were reports of workers in the shelter having contracted ringworm from the animals. After the initial media articles, public protests occurred at the shelter. There were also calls by the local MPP, the Honourable Frank Klees government to intervene. The OSPCA was simultaneously exploring other options. Depopulation was halted on May 13, 2010.
Given the importance of the issues and the controversy surrounding the media reports, Rob Godfrey, Chair of the OSPCA Board of Directors, announced on August 9, 2010 that an Independent Review would be called to examine the ringworm outbreak.
It is important to clarify at the outset of our report that based on the material we have reviewed, it appears there was neither a ringworm outbreak nor a mass euthanasia. The experts we retained found that while a few animals may have had ringworm, there is no evidence to substantiate an outbreak of the disease.
Review Process (pg 5)
We met with The Honourable Frank Klees, MPP regarding the steps he has taken in the Provincial Legislature to address issues regarding the governing legislation and powers of the OSPCA. We also met with representatives of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services regarding these issues
We contacted the veterinary clinics that received animals from the York Region branch after May 13, 2010. The purpose of that inquiry was to ascertain the status of the animals they received and to gather any diagnostic test results and other relevant information that they might have.
Proposal to Separate the Enforcement Power and Sheltering Mandate, and Legislative Oversight (pg 72)
The Honourable Frank Klees, MPP, is currently calling for the provincial government to review the powers and authority granted to the OSPCA under the OSPCA Act. Mr. Klees submits that the OSPCA lacks the proper training, supervision,, and resources to carry out its mandated shelter services and Criminal Code responsibilities. Mr. Klees’ petition seeks to have a separation of the inspection and enforcement powers of the OSPCA from its functions as a charity providing shelter services for animals.
Mr. Klees also proposes that the legislation be changed to bring the powers of the OSPCA under the authority of the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to ensure clearly defined and effective provincial oversight of all Ontario animal shelter services.
Legislative Amendments and Funding (pg 82)
The OSPCA Act give the OSPCA powers akin to those of a police force, but does not identify an agency responsible for overseeing the OSPCA in its execution of the legislative mandate. The Ontario government should consider legislative amendments to provide for oversight of the OSPCA in order to remedy the current situation of having the OSPCA essentially policing itself.
The OSPCA’s legislative mandate often requires that it keep and care for ‘investigations’ animals, however, the Ontario government provides no base funding (apart from the $500, 000 for inspector training) for the investigative and enforcement services the OSPCA provides. This results in the investigations aspect of the OSPCA’s operation often consuming the budget of its shelter mandate. The possibility of separating the OSPCA sheltering services from its investigation and enforcement services should be considered by the government.
Many of the problems the OSPCA has faced and continues to face flow from inadequate funding. It is imperative that the Ontario government work in partnership with the OSPCA to create a solution that ensures adequate funding and proper oversight is established to ensure that the legislative mandate is carried out effectively.
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For more on Oversight of the SPCA: click here
Frankly Speaking article in The Auroran: Report Confirms Provincial Oversight Needed for OSPCA click here