McGrand Removed from Emerging Leader Scholarship

PetLynx Corporation is removing references to ‘the Honourable Frederic Addison McGrand’ from program elements of Urban Animal.

Federic A. McGrand, was an important figure in the Animal Welfare movement. He founded more than 11 organizations and initiatives in Atlantic Canada, established the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and was associated with the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada. All of this was in addition to being a respected Senator from New Brunswick and a neuro-pioneer who illuminated behaviors and the connections between animals and people.

Earlier this summer, Barbara Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) contacted PetLynx taking exception to the honouring of McGrand with two Emerging Leader Scholarships at Summit 2014. Although invited to meet and find a solution, CFHS began trademark proceedings to protect McGrand for the exclusive use of CFHS and threatened PetLynx with a lawsuit for infringement.

At a meeting last week, members of the Alliance for Urban Animals™ discussed the situation and determined not to engage the Federation in a legal battle. In fact, members determined this to be an opportunity to demonstrate the beliefs and values upon which the Alliance is built. Members of the Alliance for Urban Animals™ believe colleagues in the Urban Animal industry can set aside differences and collaborate to deliver a more positive experience for pet owners.

Alliance members will be invited to propose a new honoree for the Humane and Rescue sector Scholarships.

Federic Addison McGrand Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Humane and Rescue

The Honorable, Frederic Addison McGrand was born on July 5th, 1895, in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. As a McGill trained medical doctor, McGrand had a special curiosity to understand how behavior was connected with the mind and early childhood experiences. In the 93 years of his life, McGrand provided remarkable service to the citizens of New Brunswick and to all Canadians. 

In 1955, McGrand was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Until his resignation in 1988, McGrand used persuasion and the authority of this Senate seat to rethink the humane treatment of human and non-human animals. Among early accomplishments in this area, was his support as a co-founder of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and later the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada. In 1977, McGrand Chaired a Senate Subcommittee that reported on ‘Childhood Experiences as Causes of Criminal Behaviour’. Senator McGrand died on the 3rd day of September, 1988. 

A number of useful quotes have been attributed to McGrand. However, a quote that seems enlightened even in this day and age, was his realization that, “It is of little good to punish the offender. He must be taught, not punished.” 

For this instruction and for a lifetime of service to understanding cause and effect, Urban Animal™ is pleased to name the Emerging Leader Scholarship for Humane and Rescue as the Frederic Addison McGrand Scholarship. 

In 2014, two such scholarships will be awarded. The first scholarship will be awarded as an element of the OSPCA Animal Welfare Conference in June, 2014 and the second, will be awarded in August under the Urban Animal™ Emerging Leader program.

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