Changes to caring for cats with URI

As part of the Million Cat Challenge, the WHS is working with UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to implement changes to the way cats with URI (cat cold) symptoms are cared for. URI cannot be eliminated from the shelter, but there are effective and life-saving methods to manage it. Stress is the main cause of URI within a shelter setting. What we can do is eliminate as much stress as possible by making a cat’s stay at the shelter as comfortable as we can. All incoming cats are now provided double caging. These cages increase the cat’s floor space and … Continued

Cats at the WHS are facing an emergency – And we need YOU to help us through it

You know it is going to be a tough day at our shelter when staff come to your office in tears, absolutely stressed about caring properly for our beloved animals. This is what happened yesterday at the Winnipeg Humane Society. For the first time since we opened our new facility ten years ago there was no existing room to house cats. We had to place them in Vari Kennels (small carrier kennels) overnight. This is not what a shelter should do – even if it was for the night. I had no choice but to declare a shelter State of … Continued

Important information regarding non-emergency cat pickups at veterinary clinics

Effective Monday, June 5 Winnipeg Humane Society emergency response drivers will no longer be picking up stray cats from veterinary clinics. As a non-government, charitable animal welfare agency, we have to make sure that injured or neglected animals take priority over animals that are healthy and have a caretaker, even if it is a short-term one. Our emergency response team has been tied up daily driving healthy animals to the shelter, which is not a prudent use of our resources. Another important aspect is that as part of the Million Cat Challenge – in which we are committed to try and … Continued

Free festival celebrates compassion for animals and the planet: Winnipeg VegFest

Winnipeg VegFest aims to foster compassion for animals, promote eco-friendly living, educate the public about health and nutrition, and introduce the rapidly growing world of plant-based cuisine. “Winnipeg VegFest will be a lively, entertaining, and action-packed day of delicious food, dynamic speakers, provocative discussions, beautiful artwork, children’s activities, and so much more,” says event co-organizer Jason Hannan. “We’ve reached a critical mass in Winnipeg who care deeply about animals and the planet. We’re absolutely thrilled to be putting on Winnipeg’s first-ever VegFest.” Winnipeg VegFest will feature an all-star line up of keynote speakers, including: Carol J. Adams, renowned feminist author … Continued

WHS statement on exotic animal travelling shows

The Winnipeg Humane Society does not support the transportation and use of exotic animals in traveling shows and educational presentations, and urges its supporters and the general public to avoid attending these shows.   Why doesn’t the WHS support these kinds of activities? An exotic animal is an animal non-domesticated by humans. This includes lizards and reptiles, which are often forced to be repeatedly held and restrained against their will throughout these “hands-on” traveling displays and educational programs.  Leading research by reptile biologists has shown that the majority of reptiles in captivity do in fact display stress while being exhibited … Continued

No matter their size, every animal matters

Max was found outside in the freezing cold with frostbite on one of his tiny toes and on his tail. Thankfully his finder noticed him outside in their yard, caught him, and brought him to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Max needed surgery to remove his frozen toe and the tip of his tail so he could live pain free. Our clinic staff noticed he was very socialized, which means he was likely someone’s pet before getting lost. After his surgery, Max spent time in recovery at the WHS until he could go into adoptions. Once in adoptions, he quickly found … Continued

Improving dog transfer protocols: A plan to reduce incidents

Dear WHS friends and supporters, In the past four months, we have faced an unprecedented challenge which caught us off guard: We had three dogs escape from our care during the transfer to or from our facility. This is not only embarrassing for a shelter that has been in active operation since 1894; it is an issue of safety for our staff and the community. It is not easy to write about things that don’t go according to plan. However, we have a pledge to be fully open, accountable and transparent in our work. The Winnipeg Humane Society handles approximately … Continued

Fighting the Flood: Looking After Your Pets

Fighting the Flood: Looking After Your Pets Animals are vulnerable when an emergency evacuation takes place. We urge pet owners to take your pets when an evacuation must occur. Animals, like every other member of your family, deserve the protection and security of safety preparation. Please follow these simple steps to improve your pets’ chances of survival. Before an evacuation Plan for your animals’ care well in advance if there’s a chance you may have to evacuate during a flood. Many pet-friendly facilities will book up quickly as the threat of flooding increases: If you can’t take them to wherever you are … Continued

WHS now accepting donations for Book and Movie Sale

The Winnipeg Humane Society is looking for donations of gently used books and DVDs of all genres.  Donations may be dropped off at the front reception desk inside the WHS’s shelter (45 Hurst Way).  The deadline for accepting donations is Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The fundraising sale will be held at the shelter April 8 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) & 9 (12-6 p.m.). The WHS is looking for donations of: Novels, non-fiction, and general books in good condition DVDs and Blu-rays Video games (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii) The WHS cannot accept: VHS movies Dictionaries, encyclopaedias, textbooks Time Life series Magazines Manuals … Continued

Inside Asia’s dog meat industry and relating it to Manitoba

The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) Farm Animal Compassion Committee presents its next free speaker series event Betraying Man’s Best Friend: Inside Asia’s Dog Meat Trade at the WHS’s Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre at 45 Hurst Way on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Brittany Semeniuk, a veterinary nurse utilizing her career to improve animal welfare in Manitoba and across the globe, provides insight into Asia’s dog meat industry in this non-graphic presentation and compares it to farming practices in Manitoba. “Our canine companions are being killed by the millions and need us to be their voice. But we must … Continued