Animal Wellness Conference announces speakers and sessions

The Nova Scotia SPCA invites you to attend the 3rd Annual Animal Wellness Conference taking place 10-11 May 2013 at the Nova Scotia Community College Waterfront Campus, Dartmouth. 

This year's session topics include: cat overpopulation crisis, dog training and behavior, companion animal health, Dalhousie canid behavior research, wildlife rehabilitation, pediatric spay/neuter, pet photography, fundraising for non-profits, volunteer recruitment and much more. 

The speaker line-up includes CFHS CEO Barbara Cartwright, published companion animal author Silvia Jay, certified trainer Tristan Flynn and Dr. Simon Gadbois. 

This two-day signature event provides a quality educational and networking experience for those interested in learning more about animal wellness and welfare including members of the general public, animal welfare groups, students, the veterinary community, businesses and volunteers. 

Conference fee includes a selection of 25 education sessions, a full trade show experience showcasing pet-related products and services and great networking opportunities. 

For a detailed list of speakers, sessions, sponsors and schedule information, Click Here. 

DOG DAZED Live Chat

As the Bountiful Films documentary sweeps across the country this evening on CBC's Doc Zone, three industry advocates will participate in an live online chat to discuss the show's impact on the companion animal industry, the Pet Experience Project and how the world may just be 'going to the dogs'. 

Join CFHS CEO Barbara Cartwright, PIJAC Canada executive director Louis McCann and Urban Animal executive producer Larry R. Evans:

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

Tune in TONIGHT at 9 p.m. on CBC to watch DOG DAZED.

CFHS Study Shows Cats Need More Homes

According to a study conducted for the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, many more homes are required to resolve the cat crisis in Canada with increasing numbers of strays, ferals, sheltered and homeless cats. 

At Summit 2012, CFHS chief executive officer, Barbara Cartwright, presented a study exhibiting the overpopulation of cats in Canada. This pioneering multi-stakeholder report was released yesterday and warns that the animal sheltering system is at or near capacity to care for the cats that arrive at their doors. 

READ THE REPORT

The data reveals that cats entering the sheltering system have less than a 1% chance of being reunited with their families compared with dogs which have a 30% chance.

“We undertook this research to better understand the negative consequences of cat overpopulation including homelessness, overburdened Shelters and rescues, and euthanasia for space and illness,” said Cartwright. The report compiles the data from 478 stakeholders across the country including humane societies, SPCAs, municipalities, veterinarians, rescues, trap-neuter-return groups and spay/neuter organizations.

At the time of the research there were an estimated 10.2 million cats in Canada. Cats are more popular than dogs as companion animals and their ownership rate is increasing at a rate of 3.6% annually while dog ownership is decreasing. Cats were found in 37.7% of households compared to 29.1% who owned a dog. This is similar to data collected in the 2010 National Urban Animal Report by PetLynx, which found that 35% of households in Canada have a cat and 32% have a dog. 

The CFHS has identified requirements needed to end cat overpopulation including more accessible and affordable spay/neuter surgeries, increased education about the crisis, adequately funded enforcement, increased adoption  strategies and responsible ownership initiatives. 

“There is no single stakeholder or group responsible for the problem or finding the solution," said Cartwright. "It is truly a community problem that requires a community effort to resolve.” 

Companion Animal Industry Rallies Together to Identify & Register Cats

Trends in the companion animal industry are pointing towards an increase in awareness and responsibility when it comes to cats. Industry leaders are rallying together September 22 to 30 to help Care for Cats promote National Cat ID Week to focus on permanent identification, licensing and registration for cats. 

"People do not realize it, but a lost cat has a very small chance to return back home safely," said Dr. Elizibeth O'Brien, a feline practitioner and Care for Cats spokesperson. "Focusing on identifying and registering felines should be part of your veterinary care routine as it increases their chances to get back home should they go missing."

Care for Cats is now in its second year and has focused its 2012 campaign theme on Preventative Veterinary Care for Cats.  A 2008 Business of Urban Animals Survey, commissioned by PetLynx Corporation for the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS) revealed that more than 8.5 million cats are warming the sofas of 36 per cent of Canadian households. However, about 50 per cent of these cats did not receive regular veterinary care and less than 25 per cent did not have permanent identification.

"A very high number of cats are not identified and/or registered and this results in a huge burden on animal shelters, municipalities and communities," said O'Brien. "We have the tools and the solutions; we simply must work together to create healthier communities for cats and people." 

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is working with Care for Cats in their long-term goal to increase the value of owned, homeless and feral cats in Canadian communities. 

This year's ISUAS Summit Session VI, led by Barb Cartwright, will promote important conversations relating to humane and rescue for cats and the national initiatives taking place to make a difference as she reveals results from a 2012 survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies regarding cats in Canadian Communities. 

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Barb Cartwright to speak during Summit Session VI: National Initiatives

According to statistics gathered by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS), in 2010 more than double the number of cats were admitted to Canadian shelters than dogs. Very few cats were returned to owners and a staggering 46 per cent had to be euthanized. 

In 2012, the CFHS undertook a specific survey focused on cats in Canadian Communities. During Session VI at the 2012 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS), Barb Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer of CFHS, leads us through the data toward a better understanding of where our resources should be directed.

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