EHS CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR NAMED OSPCA VOLUNTEER AGENT of the YEAR
Cruelty Investigator NAMED
OSPCA VOLUNTEER AGENT of the YEAR
(Nov. 5, 2009, Etobicoke). The ETOBICOKE Humane Society (EHS) is proud to announce that one of its Cruelty Agents - JERRY HIGGINS - has been awarded the Terry Looker Volunteer Agent of the Year Award by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).
EHS President William Blain, says: “We’re thrilled for Jerry. This is an amazing feat and well deserved. Jerry has always gone above and beyond and is a huge asset to EHS as is our whole cruelty team. The cruelty area is one that deals with the bad more than the good. Our agents put themselves in very risky situations at all hours of the day and night. They are a tremendous asset and are a shining example of why the Etobicoke Humane Society is what it is.”
OSPCA Chief Cruelty Inspector, Hugh Coghill states: “Agent Higgins has been a sterling example to all volunteer Agents with his dedication to the cause and willingness to commit long hours in very difficult circumstances, all to help animals”.
The Etobicoke Humane Society and Alliston & District Humane Society should both be very proud of Jerry – they are both very lucky to have him as a volunteer.”
Higgins, having been trained and licensed by the OSPCA, has been an OSPCA cruelty agent for more than 2 years ,and has been with the Etobicoke Humane Society since December 2008.
Higgins, reflecting on this award and his service as a Cruelty Agent, said: “I'm thrilled with receiving this award. Being an unpaid volunteer is hard work long hours and very rewarding. I do it for love of the animals.”
Under the OSPCA Act, Animal Cruelty Inspectors and Agents are at the front of the fight in protecting animals throughout Ontario, responding to more than 16,000 animal cruelty complaints annually. When they encounter violations of animal protection laws, they can issue orders, remove animals and lay charges under Canada’s Criminal Code. When enforcing animal-cruelty laws, the OSPCA Act gives Agents and Inspectors the same authority as police officers.
It’s Up to the Public. According to Higgins, “We rely on the public. Currently, the OSPCA Act does not give Inspectors and Agents an automatic right of inspection; this means we need “cause” before we can investigate. For that, we have to rely on the public to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and abandonment. Reports should be made to their nearest Ontario SPCA branch or affiliate, Crime Stoppers or police.”
In Etobicoke, if you suspect or observe animal cruelty, please contact the Etobicoke Humane Society, 416-249-6100, and give the information to an office volunteer, or leave a message on line 3.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To arrange an interview, or for further information, please contact
Maria Barnes, PR/Education Coordinator, Etobicoke Humane Society,