Humane Society assures that its work continues
Space, funding pressures cited for ending kennel contract
The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes is no longer providing municipally funded pound services for animals found at large in Kawartha Lakes, but that doesn’t mean it has stepped away from ensuring their wellbeing.
In late 2023, the board opted to not renew the agreement, citing an “unprecedented strain on their organization resulting from the drastic increase in the local pet population brought on by the pandemic.”
The organization did agree to extend the long-standing contract to March 31 to assist the municipality in finding another provider. Two were secured in neighbouring municipalities.
The municipality will now provide kennel service for dogs only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, excluding Sundays.
The humane society also has it has not closed its doors to critters in need.
“If the city cannot respond to a service request to take in a lost or stray animal, call HSKL to keep the animal safe from harm. Using social media and its web page, HSKL shares news about lost or stray animals. If the animal’s family does not come forward, HSKL will continue to care for it and put it up for adoption,” explained humane society executive director Judi Cannon.
Board president Pat Peace echoed Cannon’s statement, adding that the organization remains committed to working with the municipality and other organizations.
“HSKL’s role in the community is to provide adoption and surrender services to animals in need. The City of Kawartha Lakes, following their three-day hold period, may bring dogs into our adoption care program, and our team will spring into action to provide shelter and care for the animals,” stated Peace.
“HSKL remains dedicated to our community’s stray, lost, owned, abandoned, neglected, injured and sick animals.”
Lost or found domestic dogs should be reported to the municipal law enforcement and licensing office immediately. During regular business hours (Monday to Friday) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 705-324-9411, ext. 1212.
Outside of these hours, call 705-928-3054 and leave a detailed message.
People are also encouraged to take advantage of the reach of social media, including the City of Kawartha Lakes Facebook page.
Since municipally funded cat kennel services are not available through the current vendors, stray domestic cats will not be collected at this time.
Individuals can reach out to the humane society in Lindsay by calling 705-878-4618 or contacting them through their website at hskl.ca.
For animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, contact Animal Welfare Services via the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-926-4625.