Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM) will continue to protect animals at risk over the next six months while the Ontario Government develops a new animal welfare act. The new division will be known as HSLM Animal Protection.
The Ontario SPCA will not be enforcing the cruelty provisions in provincial legislation after June 28
th
, 2019. To ensure that no animal falls through the cracks, the Government announced that willing Societies and their Protection Officers will enforce the law while the Province develops a new animal welfare model. HSLM signed an agreement with the Ontario Government on June 28
th
, 2019. HSLM Animal Protection Officers are accountable to the Chief Inspector.
“This is good news for animals at risk,” says Steve Ryall, HSLM Executive Director. “Locally, this means that our HSLM Animal 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 Elgin and Oxford Counties. Established relationships with veterinarians, justice, health and social services, and police will continue.”
In addition, HSLM Animal Protection Officers will continue to educate owners about standards of care, and resolve hoarding situations. Last year, HSLM Animal Protection investigated 829 cases.
“HSLM has been protecting animals for 120 years,” says Ryall. “Our volunteers and donors make this possible, every day. On behalf of lives saved, we thank citizens for caring, donating locally, and making a difference.”
