Animal cruelty investigations in need of a change

By Amos Johnson

A push by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) to involve police when investigating complaints has drawn applause from animal rights activists who see the move as a step in the right direction.

“Law enforcement by private charities is no longer appropriate in 2019 and vulnerable animals in Ontario deserve a robust, well-resourced public system,” said Camille Labchuk, a lawyer and executive director for Animal Justice.

Labchuk said she is committed with working with the government and the OSPCA on a new Animal Protection Act to ensure animals are provided maximum protection.

Although the OSPCA already has the authority to enter property and take animals that are being harmed, engaging police will be safer for their investigators and lend authority to their work. The charity responds to approximately 16,000 animal cruelty complaints every year – a shocking figure for animal lovers in Windsor.

“I’ve heard so many stories of animal abuse,” said Grace Bauer, a local pet adopter.

“Part of that is due to carelessness. I think we have to be careful what we’re getting ourselves into but also who they’re giving the animals to.”

Rachel Dottermann, Shelter Operations Manager for the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, said that’s why they screen people interested in adopting.

The adopters fill in a survey and it matches them based on the questions to a more specific personality of the animal that they’re looking for,” said Dottermann.

“Then there are some other key things we look for. If it’s an apartment, maybe a dog’s not a good fit for that. Based on personality we use the meet your match system.”

Dottermann said anyone who suspects an animal is being mistreated should contact their local Humane Society, or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line.