November 16th
The Town of Cobourg has been contacted regarding concerns over the NHS not meeting their agreement for Municipal Animal Services. Please find a copy of the email sent below to Town CAO Tracy Vaughan and Town Clerk Brent Larmer.
Good Morning Tracy and Brent
I am reaching out in regards to the status of the Northumberland Humane Society. I know you said you could only get involved if they were not adhering to the agreement you entered into this past January. Since dismissing the general manager Shanika Suriya, the shelter has been woefully understaffed and was closed yesterday due to staff shortage. It has been stated that no one has been at reception or answering phone calls or emails for 3 days.One employee tried to take time to do some yesterday but can't keep up. Staff have been left incredibly unsupported and overwhelmed. Yesterday a Community Partner rescue organisation arrived to assist in moving two of the dogs received under the MAS agreement but were unable to due to the shelter being officially closed, also no staff on site to even sign off on a release.
I believe this does not meet your agreement.
The Town of Cobourg has made an agreement with the Northumberland Humane Society for the provision of the following services:
Providing animal shelter that meets all applicable standards of the Town and provincial or federal standards for such shelters. ** dogs are being left in dirty cages, some with no one to walk them but one volunteer. One dog had come in from Animal Control on Sunday and by Tuesday had not been moved or assessed yet.
Remaining open and staffed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ** closed yesterday with a sign on the door. Dismissed their staff member with the most experience and commitment and best community relationships. No transition plan in place. Now facing a legal battle and fees.
Operating and maintaining the shelter including collecting any impound fees or other fees as set forth in the Animal Control By-Law. * no one to collect any impound fees, closed due to staff shortage
Participating in community activities to promote a better understanding of animal control problems.
Please take action and review what is going on at the Northumberland Humane Society.
Under the guidance of Executive Director Henny Venus and the current board and in less than one week they have lost community support, lost financial support, have not been able to meet their agreement with the town, have put their staff and the animals in their care at risk due to lack of support.
I appreciate your attention to this matter