The Humane Society London and Middlesex (HSLM) has been given the go ahead to enforce animal cruelty laws while the province hammers out a new animal welfare enforcement model.
A newly created division called "HSLM animal protection" will take over animal welfare enforcement and investigations for the next six months, the humane society announced on Friday.
“This is good news for animals at risk,” HSLM Executive Director Steve Ryall said in a statement. “Locally, this means that our protection team will continue enforcement and investigation duties in the City of London and the County of Middlesex, as well as new expanded coverage for us in Elgin and Oxford Counties. Established relationships with veterinarians, justice, health and social services, and police will continue.”
Word that the humane society would be able to carry out these duties came on the same day the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) discontinued providing animal welfare protection services across the province. The decision to end the service it has provided for 100 years came after an Ontario court ruled in early January that the province erred by giving the animal welfare agency policing powers without imposing accountability and transparency standards.
In addition to the animal welfare enforcement, the new division will also help to educate owners about standards of care and resolve hoarding situations.
Anyone who sees an animal in distress or at risk can contact HSLM animal protection at 888-611-HSLM (4756).