SPCA members ask for commitment and communication from board of directors

With chairperson and mediator Robin Fremont handling the meeting, several amendments and discussion points were addressed throughout the night.

Bylaw amendments included the discontinuation of lifetime membership sales, with current lifetime members being grandfathered into their memberships.

To avoid issues in the future, a member suggested changing quorum to double the amount of board members, plus one, rather than 50 per cent of voting members as it currently states. The suggestion passed, however, will require further ironing out before officially being included as a bylaw.

In addition, an official timeline for following AGM’s were set as the third Wednesday in Sept. every year. Also included, the amendment will ensure meetings be held no later than 15 months after the preceding AGM.

During the open forum, which members voted to move up in the agenda, several people addressed the numerous issues that plagued the SPCA this year. The overwhelming request from members was for more commitment and communication from the board.

Morash also updated the crowd with a general update of the organization.

A handout given to all members in attendance indicated a 46 per cent decrease in animals euthanized with 51 dogs euthanized up to August in 2014 compared to 32 this year.

“Animals are only euthanized for health reasons upon the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian or for aggression issues once all other options have been tried,” Morash explained. “It really is our last resort and we’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re giving these animals every chance of success,” he added.

Morash also reported a 122 per cent increase in microchipping this year with 467 pets receiving microchips so far.

With all issues dealt with, members were asked to elect for the board of directors. However, before a vote could occur, current treasurer, Gary Anderson, resigned from his position.

With the total possible number of board members being 11, existing board of director members, sans Anderson, were acclaimed along with four new members: Brent MacDonald, Holly Wells, Don Fyrk and Connie Banks.

Former SPCA employee Taelor Vancoughnett was content with the meeting, but believes more could be done.

“I’m glad people got to hear both sides of the story,” Vancoughnett said after the meeting. “I’m personally not satisfied with the results. I don’t feel that we made as much progress that many of us had anticipated.

“It happens how it happens and there’s not much you can do about it. I’m just happy that everybody showed up and that we did get a couple of our supporters on the new board of directors.”

Morash believes the meeting marked the beginning of a new start for the SPCA, adding that the current board of directors have worked hard to get the organization where it is today.

“I think it’s certainly time to move forward. It was great to have those issues addressed and finally be able to explain them because they’re complicated issues,” Morash said.

“The SPCA is moving in a really positive direction and it’s nice to have this many members come out and support us.”

knguyen@jpbg.ca

Follow on Twitter: @khangvnguyen

by Khang Nguyen

SPCA members ask for commitment and communication from board of directors

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