Laura Stricker

If you live in Toronto and read the news, or even if you don’t, chances are you’ve heard by now about the recent drama at Toronto’s Humane Society - the allegations against president Tim Trow, the clashes with OSPCA, accusations of understaffing, animals being left to suffer, etc.

For those who have not read the articles, you may want to check out part one and part two.

I find the articles very one-sided. The Globe is clearly out to prove their point without using any space to get the other side of the story - and one thing we were taught in Journalism school is that there is always another side.

Obviously I don’t know Mr. Trow, but as an animal lover myself, I have to assume that someone who is the volunteer president of THS - who probably would not be there if he did not love animals - cannot be that bad of a guy. With stories coming out all the time of people who abuse and mistreat animals - like this one I discussed here awhile back, and this one I read most recently, about a dog who was left to die with a brick tied to his collar - I’d say animals need all the support they can get, regardless of whether the person offering the support is a ‘people person’ or not.

I was discussing this with someone I know the other day, who is involved with THS. Part one of the series makes mention of dogs and cats living in less than ideal conditions. My friend made a very good point, which is that a cage could get cleaned out and then five minutes later be dirty again. I have two cats, and that is certainly true for me. Even if I clean their litter box twice a day, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be gross again in half an hour (or less).

My friend also mentioned worrying about, now that this story has come out, the number of donations dropping off. THS is run entirely on donations. The article makes mention of severe understaffing, both by veterinarians and volunteers. How exactly is publishing an article ruining their reputation going to help get more donations and staff?

Don’t get me wrong, I believe all companies should be held accountable for their actions. I just don’t think we are getting the whole story here. I also think an organization that takes in animals that have been abandoned or injured - and does not immediately rush to euthanize them - should be commended, not condemned.