| The Ontario SPCA is proud of being Ontario's largest animal welfare organization, and one of the most responsive animal welfare organizations in Canada. | ||
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The Ontario SPCA Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so - making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mission The Ontario SPCA's mission is to facilitate and provide for province-wide leadership on matters related to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of animal welfare. The Society’s goal is to be a strong, unified and collaborative organization dedicated to the cultivation of a compassionate Ontario for all animals. Authority Ontario SPCA Branches and Affiliates have the authority under the legislation to enforce animal cruelty laws and respond to allegations of abuse and neglect. To ensure that the public can readily and easily identify the animal welfare organizations with these services, it is appropriate that the Ontario SPCA designates such authority to other animal welfare organizations. Governance The process to be nominated and elected to the Ontario SPCA Board of Directors is outlined in the Society's by-laws, available to the public www.ontarospca.ca (see FAQ). All Directors of the Board have an equal vote regardless of whether or not they are from a Branch or an Affiliate community. Employees of Affiliated Societies may be on the Board of Directors. Currently, 6 of 12 Board members are employed by Affiliate Societies and 6 of 12 Board members are not.Partnerships The Ontario SPCA works cooperatively and collaboratively with pet owners, farmers, landowners, producers, veterinarians and breeders on issues that affect animals and we actively work with municipal and provincial governments to ensure animals are provided with every possible protection under the law. Financial Accountability The Society is financially accountable to its stakeholders and must act appropriately. The Ontario SPCA’s ability to fulfill its mandate is made possible by various revenue sources, provided through donations, fundraising and legacy gifts. The Society financials have been reviewed thoroughly by the Finance committee, the Board of Directors and third party regulators. The majority of funding provides for animal protection and investigative services. The Ontario SPCA Board of Directors and management believe strongly in financial transparency so that the operations of the Ontario SPCA are clear and understandable to all donors and stakeholders. The Ontario SPCA is not a government agency. All Branch and Affiliates do not receive tax dollars to fund their primary work and must rely on donations from communities to fund animal cruelty investigations; animal care and rehabilitation; government and industry advocacy; and public education. By-laws define the operations of Branch and Affiliates to certain boundaries to protect, promote and preserve fundraising efforts, market viability and logistical measures related to animal care and investigations. Additionally, the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office provides for and funds services, which include training, education, legal support, mentorship and resource management. ### Ontario SPCA Provincial Media Contact: Kristin Williams About the Ontario SPCA The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting
animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities
relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy;
and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws
and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so - making the Ontario SPCA unique
among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian
Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated
with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. |