Although the final decision on how the Town will move forward on this issue has been moved [...]]]> Today we had the opportunity to listen in on Town Council’s deliberations in deciding whether to keep the status quo with respect to Animal Services or work on a “Made in Richmond Hill” approach to this important community need.

Although the final decision on how the Town will move forward on this issue has been moved to the next budget meeting on March 6th,  a draft motion proposed by Councillor Greg Beros was approved for now.

From my perspective, the motion approves the extension of the OSPCA contract for as long as 3 years while the Town takes steps to improve the animal services it currently provides; reach out to the community with respect to responsible pet ownership and education. A look must also be taken at improving services while finding additional revenue sources, such as an improved licensing system and then conduct a proper, comprehensive report on the viability and establishment of Town owned shelter facilities and animal services with an eye to full implementation 3-4 years from now.

Upfront capital cost and ongoing operational costs are the big concerns with taking animal services ‘in-house’.  The material presented was not enough information for anyone, including Council, to make a decision as presented.

We’ll keep you posted on further developments…

Meeting Agenda 

Animal Services Update and Options Staff Report (SRCAO.12.1)

Several of our [...]]]> On Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at 1pm, at the Budget Committee of the whole meeting, our Town Council is reviewing options with respect to ongoing Animal Services for the Town of Richmond Hill.

Meeting Agenda 

Animal Services Update and Options Staff Report (SRCAO.12.1)

Several of our board members will be attending the meeting and if you have the time, I suggest you join us.  This is a very important topic for our community and we strongly suggest you bring yourself up to speed and express your opinion.

Summary of the decision before Council:

1. That Council provide direction to staff on the provision of animals services by selecting one of the following three options, as identified in SRCAO.12.01:

Option A: Continue with the existing level of service through a contracted provider;  (OSPCA)

Option B: Continue with the existing level of service from June 2012 to June 2015. Beginning mid 2015, increase the level of service by adopting a responsible pet ownership philosophy, adding a community outreach/public education component and have Town staff deliver patrol, pickup and drop off services. Have animals sheltered by a contracted provider;

Option C: Continue with the existing level of service from June 2012 to June 2015. Beginning in mid 2015, increase the level of service by adopting a responsible pet ownership philosophy, add a community outreach/public education component and build a Town owned and operated shelter, where patrol/pickup, drop off and sheltering are the responsibility of the Town;

2. Should Council select Option B or C, staff report back on an approach to implementation of the selected option.

Love it  :)

We hope everyone will come out and join the festivities; the weather is supposed to be terrific!

Make sure to bring [...]]]> We’re feverishly working away on final preparations for the Winter Carnival Off-Leash Park at Mill Pond!  We’re dropping by Pet Valu Richmond Hill North this evening to pick up doggy treats that Amber has generously donated.

We hope everyone will come out and join the festivities; the weather is supposed to be terrific!

Make sure to bring some cash as we’ll have 2012 Dog licenses available.

We also hope, as a regular park user, that’ll you’ll drop in and chat with any dog park newbies and bring them up to speed on park etiquette and rules as the same apply at the temporary park as in the real one (soon to be ones!)

See you tomorrow & Sunday!

We’ll be there from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, Feb 4 & Sunday Feb 5.

Please contact volunteer@rhk9klub.ca ASAP if you can commit to a minimum of 2 hours.  Looking forward to seeing [...]]]> Students… need some volunteer hours?  Love dogs?   Come help supervise the temporary off-leash area at Winter Carnival at the Mill Pond this weekend!

We’ll be there from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, Feb 4 & Sunday Feb 5.

Please contact volunteer@rhk9klub.ca ASAP if you can commit to a minimum of 2 hours.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Want to [...]]]> The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival is this weekend with tons to do for the whole family including the canine members!  This year the K9 Klub is bringing to the Carnival a temporary area for the dogs to run and play off-leash for some energy burning fun.  Every pooch gets a treat!

Want to go have a bite to eat without the pooch?   No problem!   For a small donation you can leave Fido with us for up to 60 minutes.

The off – leash area will be available Saturday, February 4 & Sunday February 5 from 10am – 4pm.

2012 Dog Licenses will also be available for purchase.

See you at the Carnival!

http://blogs.dogster.com/dog-training/the-myth-of-normal-dogs/2010/11/

 Video: Dog Fetches Ball From Leaves