Dear Friends,

Re: The Cochrane & Area Humane Society and Town of Cochrane Animals

We have been receiving many calls and concerns about what will be happening to the animals found as strays in the Town of Cochrane. We will share all of the information that we have because we feel it’s important for people to know what is going on.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has had a strong and positive working relationship with the Town of Cochrane Animal Control for almost 14 years. We provided bylaw support/animal sheltering services, which included allowing officers access to our facility 24/7, having kennel space reserved for them at all times and re-homing unclaimed pets. Our facility allows us to quarantine animals upon entry and we were able to provide medical consultation as needed.

The Town has provided grants to our organization in recognition of the programs we provide to the community, such as humane education and pet safekeeping, and for the bylaw support services we provide to the Town. From 2008 through 2011, this grant amount was $70,000 each year.

In September 2011 Town funding processes changed and we were asked to separate the community programs and bylaw support services. We applied for a grant to support our programs and are very grateful for the $20,000 we will receive, which will go towards humane education, pet safekeeping and animal behaviour services.

The Town requested the CAHS present them with a contract for bylaw support/animal sheltering services. We worked with our lawyer to create a legal document, determined real costs for caring for Town animals based on four years of animal statistics, and presented the contract to the Town in October. The funds we requested in the contract were based on guaranteed space and access for the Town, and costs from animal entry to exit.

As a non-profit, we couldn’t financially or ethically present a contract that would result in a loss to our organization and increased pressure on our donors to essentially pay costs that traditionally were the responsibility of the Town (the cost to support their bylaw). We requested $60,000 for bylaw support services. Unfortunately, the Town wrote that they were only willing to pay us $20,000 and turned down our contract.

The Town then publicized an RFP for bylaw support services and we re-submitted the information we had provided when they asked us for a contract, along with support letters and other documents they requested. We received a letter, dated December 20, 2011, that stated the Town had chosen another provider. Despite the fact that another provider has been chosen, we will, of course, continue to work with the Town for the benefit of the animals.

It was very important to us that there be a smooth transition in services and that it be as easy as possible for us, the animals, the Town and residents. We requested details to provide to the public so we could let them know what to do if they lose or find a pet. We were given a phone number for people to call and instruction to send them to protective services. Unfortunately that is all of the information we were given to pass on to you.

When CAHS housed Town animals, we held them for ten business days. Pet owners need to know that the Town holding period for animals is three business days (may be held longer in some circumstances). This means that if you have lost a pet, you will need to make sure you look for it immediately. Don’t wait a few days to see if the cat comes back! If you are going away, ensure that your pet sitter knows exactly what to do if an animal gets lost because there is no time to waste before starting to search. Make sure your pet has a current license (for dogs) and identification (for cats) and if you lose or find a pet, register him/her on PetLynx to help ensure a quick return home.

We have enjoyed being the hub for animals in Cochrane and providing bylaw support services. It made things simple and easy for the public – you knew where to go whether searching for a lost pet, delivering a stray, wanting to adopt or looking for resources on animal training and behaviour. We were the ‘one-stop-shop”.

We are very proud of the service we provide to Cochrane and surrounding communities. We take in approximately 1000 animals each year and our success rate in animal placement of over 90% as an open admission facility is unheard of in North America. In fact, we don’t know of any local organization that can say the same. Our animals receive medical care, tons of TLC, behaviour rehabilitation and training, exercise and enrichment, and can spend months in our care until they find that perfect home.

We have a licensed veterinarian and animal health technician, two certified and knowledge assessed dog trainers, a licensed groomer, behaviour staff that is trained in SAFER dog behaviour assessments, and all staff receive pet first aid training. We couldn’t be as successful without this expertise, our outstanding staff and volunteers, and amazing community support.

We really appreciate everything you have done for us, up to and including the huge amount of support we are receiving right now. THANK YOU!