Christine Whelan FEO, October 27, 2022, VOL. 4 ISSUE 5
Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Humane Society (LCHS), presented to Mayor Redekop and the Town Council, sharing the positive work and community service that the LCHS has been providing to the residents and animals in the Fort Erie area, during a Council Meeting on September 19.
Strooband began, “Since the inception of our services on June 1 of this year, we have mainly been met with open arms by the community. We want to share some of the success we are experiencing.”
He gave examples. “We responded to a herd of escaped goats in Fort Erie. Luckily, our officer was able to corral them back home, providing them with water. We also responded to a dog left in a cage in the blazing sun. It was rescued and the owner was ticketed.”
The LCHS has also provided several free rides home. Licensed pets are able to return home without their owners having to pay for their release. “These residents were delighted to learn about this new service.”
Partnerships
“We have connected with two dog-licensing partners. One is with Ruffins Pet Centre in Fort Erie and the other is with Thor’s Healthy Pet Foods in Ridgeway. These two partners have agreed to sell Fort Erie dog licenses on the LCHS’s behalf through the new licensing system.”
Residents will be able to utilize the iPads that we have provided which are made available at these locations.
Stroodband reported, “On July 9, the LCHS was a part of the Ridgeway Summer Festival. This was an opportunity to meet local residents and showcase cats for adoption. In total, we found homes for over ten cats.”
On October 1, the LCHS were at Ruffins Pet Centre in Fort Erie where they hosted an adoption event and a held a microchip and rabies clinic.
Purple Paws
Kevin reported they are proud to announce their partnership with the Fort Erie based Purple Paws. “We are in the process of formalizing our partnership. Purple Paws has agreed to be the local organization that we can use to facilitate expedited return to owners, for lost or stray dogs.”
To meet that goal, it was necessary for the Ontario Ministry of Food Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to inspect the Purple Paws facility. “The inspection was completed this summer and I’m pleased and proud to report that the facility, which sits on five acres, passed the inspection perfectly.”
DocuPet
DocuPet has been launched in Fort Erie. “This robust and comprehensive online platform will allow dog owners to license their dogs from the comfort of their own homes without having to mail in an application. Those without internet access or those requiring assistance are welcome to attend Ruffins or Thor’s Healthy Pet Foods.”
Additionally, Strooband reported, LCHS has invested in a tag etching machine to be able to comply with the various requirements for tags under the Fort Erie animal bylaw.
In response to the incident with the white wolf in Port Colborne, where it could not be saved, Strooband and a Niagara veterinarian took the necessary training in the chemical immobilization of animals. The LCHS has also purchased a chemical immobilization gun necessary to administer the required drugs.
“Dr. Todd and I have made ourselves available to assist animals across the Niagara Region as no other Human Society carries this level of training or possesses the proper equipment.”
Currently, the LCHS staff are going through livestock evaluation training. This training allows officers to assess locations where livestock has been attacked by wildlife.
Challenges
On the day of the presentation, the Lincoln County Humane Society had been providing services to Fort Erie for 111 days. These are the days of transition. These are the days of the odd trial and error. The Executive Director acknowledged the challenges that have occurred during these days and has stated that they have learned from these challenges and have adjusted, moving forward.
In wrapping up an accompanying conversation with Kevin, he shared a story with a happy ending. “We’ve been trying to catch this sick fox around Thunderbay Road in Fort Erie for about a month. Two days ago, we caught it. It went to Wildlife Rehabilitator. It will be rehabilitated and released when it’s healthy.”
To connect with the Lincoln County Humane Society, you can go to their website lchs.ca
Photos provided by Cortnie Welychka, Shelter Operations e, LCHS
Sick fox, captured
Mobile Adoption
