Board of Health

January 25, 2000

To: Board of Health

From: City Clerk

Subject: Toronto Animal Services Review - Recommendations from Animal Services Advisory Subcommittee meeting, January 17, 2000

Recommendations:

The Board of Health Animal Services Advisory Subcommittee recommends:

(1) endorsement of the recommendations contained in the consultation report (October 1, 1999) from The Humane Society of the United States with the exception of the recommendation to eliminate the Trap-Vaccinate and Release Program for raccoons contained therein;

(2) that the Medical Officer of Health be requested to report back to the Board of Health on:

- extending hours of operation for Toronto animal service shelters beyond normal hours;

- the provision of emergency services in shelters through a centalized dispatch system; and

- replacing the terminology of "pet ownership" contained in the by-law to that of "animal guardian" or similar wording;

(3) that consideration be given to maintaining the York and East York animal shelters as temporary holding facilities until the redemption period is over;

(4) very strongly recommends that the relationship between the City and the Toronto Humane Society be improved through a facilitator and in the event this relationship does not improve within six months of initiating such facilitation, that this matter be reviewed further;

(5) that where there are any increases considered to the City's contracted services with the Toronto Humane Society, that there be a corresponding increase for the City's animal services program; and

(6) that the Medical Officer of Health be requested to maintain field service operations in a regional fashion.

Background:

The Board of Health Animal Services Advisory Subcommittee at its meeting on January 17, 2000 had before it a communication (November 15, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Board of Health at its meeting on November 15, 1999, adopted the joint report dated November 12, 1999, from the Medical Officer of Health and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, subject to amending Recommendation No. (2) to read as follows:

"(2) a staff team from Public Health, Finance and the CAO's Office review the financial status of the Toronto Humane Society and report back on outstanding issues, including the suggested additional $100,000.00 per annum, to the Board of Health for its consideration with respect to future terms for a purchase of service contract."

and in so doing, referred the study by the external consultant, the Humane Society of the United States, on the delivery of animal services in Toronto to the Animal Services Advisory Subcommittee for public deputations and recommendations back to the Board of Health, with any recommendations relating to financial matters being forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee in time to inform the 2000 operating budget process.

The Subcommittee also had before it the following reports:

- (November 12, 1999) from the Medical Officer of Health forwarding a copy of The Humane Society of the United States Professional Animal Services Consultation Report; and

- (November 12, 1999) from the Medical Officer of Health, Commissioner of Community Services and Chief Administrative Officer recommending that:

(1) the study by the external consultant, the Humane Society of the United States, on the delivery of animal services in Toronto, be referred to the Animal Services Advisory Committee for public deputations and recommendations back to the Board of Health, with any recommendations relating to financial matters being forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee in time to inform the 2000 operating budget process; and

(2) a staff team from Public Health, Finance and the CAO=s Office review the financial status of the Toronto Humane Society and forward recommendations to the Board of Health for its consideration with respect to future terms for a purchase of service contract, with the Board=s recommendations forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee in time to inform the 2000 operating budget process.

Ms. Brenda Bronfman-Thomas appeared before the Subcommittee in connection with the foregoing matter.

City Clerk

D. Ting

Item No. 1

c. Medical Officer of Health