User:MaskedHero/Lincoln County Humane Society

Protecting animals since 1881, the Lincoln County Humane Society serves the areas of St. Catharines, Lincoln, Grimsby and Thorold. The Lincoln County Humane Society is an affiliate of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The organization follows an Open Admission For Life philosophy.

History
The Humane Society of St. Catharines was re-organized on March 8th, 1927 at a public gathering held at the Guild Hall of St. Thomas Church. John Wilson, Manager of the Humane Society work in Ontario was the speaker of the evening. He discussed the tremendous progress that humane work is making in all parts of the world. At this meeting the following officers were chosen:

Honorary Presidents, Hon J. D. Chaplin, Judge Campbell and Mayor Jacob Smith. President, Rev. A. H. Walker. Vice-Presidents, Mr. Jamieson and Mrs. Muir. Secretary, Major David Borland Treasurer, A. E. Mix Executive Committee, Mesdames Wade, Maunsell and R. Robinson, Mesers, Snead, Stagg and Lorenzen.

The meeting decided upon fees of $1 yearly and Rev. E. J. Harper accured the honor of being the first paid member. The Society announced the intention to wait upon the City and County Councils to secure grants to enable the immediate employment of an inspector.

Mission
The Lincoln County Humane Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, support the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. The Lincoln County Humane Society provides safe refuge and compassionate care for animals, and pursues workable solutions to the most urgent animal welfare issues, which are animal overpopulation and homelessness. These solutions emphasize the mutual benefits of bringing pets and people together.

Legislation
Ontario SPCA investigators may enforce any law pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to, and the welfare of, animals. This includes legislation pertaining to animals within the Criminal Code of Canada, the principal tool used by investigators to bring cases of extreme cruelty and neglect to court; the Ontario SPCA Act, the provincial legislation that gives Ontario SPCA investigators their policing powers to act on reported instances of animal cruelty.

Federal Legislation

Criminal Code of Canada- Cruelty to Animals In the Criminal Code of Canada, under Cruelty to Animals, Section 445.1(1) states 445.1(1) Every one commits an offence who:

a. wilfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or  bird;

b. in any manner encourages, aids or assists at the fighting or baiting of animals or birds;

c. wilfully, without reasonable excuse, administers a poisonous or an injurious drug or substance to a domestic animal or bird or an animal or a bird wild by nature that is kept in captivity or, being the owner of such an animal or a bird, wilfully permits a poisonous or an injurious drug or substance to be administered to it;

d. promotes, arranges, conducts, assists in, receives money for or takes part in any meeting, competition, exhibition, pastime, practice, display or event at or in the course of which captive birds are liberated by hand, trap, contrivance or any other means for the purpose of being shot when they are liberated; or

e. being the owner, occupier or person in charge of any premises, permits the premises or any part thereof to be used for a purpose mentioned in paragraph (d).

Provincial Legislation

In the province of Ontario, the Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society Branch and Affiliate investigators with police powers to do so.

Municipal Legislation

Lincoln County Humane Society Bylaws Passed March 16th, 2011 and amended February 20th, 2013.

Board of Directors
2011-2012
 * Ann Davidson- President
 * Judy Haist- Director
 * Ed Klassen- Director
 * Joe Kushner- Director
 * Christine Probst- Director
 * Heinz Probst- Director
 * Graeme McLoughlin- Director