Mayor Morgan,
My name is Tristan Flynn and I’m a dog trainer and behaviorist located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I have been following the Cape Breton SPCA story for several days now and wanted to write you to express my concern for an issue that got no oversight from the recent veterinary review – the mental health and well-being of the animals in the CB Shelter.
I have read that you expressed a desire to see all recommendations from the recent independent veterinary analysis of the shelter implemented which I applaud. However in the report it’s noted that this review was done quickly, that the vets themselves did not have exact expertise in many aspects of shelter management, and that critical aspects of the operation were not evaluated. Quote:
“Due to time constraints, there were a number of areas that we could not assess. These include but are not limited to: vaccination and de-worming protocols, visitor protocols,inspection of outdoor runs and outdoor play areas, staff training, how cleaning products were being mixed and used, behavioral health and mental well-being of animals, temperament testing prior to adoption.”
Clearly this report does not go far enough to evaluate the operations of this shelter. A full and complete evaluation of the mental and behavioral health would likely have brought you another 27+ recommendations.
It is critical that dogs (and cats) be provided with toys, positive training, and a chance to interact with other dogs while in a shelter environment. Dogs should also be receiving several walks per day in addition to outside playtime. A dog that is left in a kennel for long period of time with no activity will become frustrated, bored and their mental health will deteriorate rapidly. Frustration and boredom are directly linked to dog aggression.
The oversights by this facility are a recipe for creating aggressive and hyperactive dogs in your community.
It is also concerning that there is no mention of temperament testing of dogs at this facility. Shelter staff should have continuous training on how to evaluate a dog for things such as aggression around the food bowl, handling issues, aggression towards children / other animals and what special training or considerations an animal may need. Failure to identify and make the public aware of these issues when adopting out a dog is putting your community at risk.
Based on my conversations with people visiting and adopting from this shelter, none of these mental health protocols are in place.
These recommendations regarding mental health cost little money and have been a shelter standard for decades. It’s clear the current management at this shelter are not providing a standard of physical or mental care for their animals.
I urge you to support the provincial SPCA in removing this shelter manager and board of directors. Either through complacency or lack of knowledge, Its clear their leadership is not in the best interests of the animals or people in your community. It’s truly shocking that a quick evaluation report can produce so many deficiencies when the manager has over 30 years of experience.
I understand you are in a tough position since this is the only facility that can meet the needs of your animal control contract however I would urge a more complete report on the activities happening in this shelter in regards to mental health and behavior immediately.
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Best Regards,
Tristan Flynn
www.goldenruletraining.ca
(902)-469-GRDT (4738)
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/goldenruletraining
Very well said, I agree 100%.
ReplyDeleteNicely done! I hope there will be needed changes. Poor animals in there.
ReplyDeleteNice to See Another Person Who Cares!... Save Those Animals!
ReplyDeletekudo's - well said and on point. This debacle at the expense of the animals well being and welfare has been allowed to go on for far to long. It is time that protocols and standards are followed and it is more than clear that the past management of CB SPCA and current CB Humane Society (the irony of that chosen moniker is repulsive)under the very same management have failed to fulfill mandates of care.
ReplyDelete