Interview With The PEI Humane Society
In my quest to be more knowledgeable on all things animal. So on January 29th I got in touch with the PEI Humane Society, who were kind enough to answer all of my questions.
So without further introduction, we have an interview with Marla Somersall, the executive director at the PEI Human Society...
The PEI Humane Society is a shelter for homeless, injured and lost pets. They are a non-profit organization that helps 1600+ companion animals each year with no operational funding from the government.
The history of the PEI Humane Society goes back over 70 years to the 1940’s when, by an act of the legislature, the province created and incorporated the Prince Edward Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. During the next 30 years the PEI SPCA received little to no support from the provincial government and was ineffective at reaching their goal until a group of citizens formed an organizing committee to create a new organization. The Prince Edward Island Humane Society.
Here is the interview, Hope you enjoy!
1. How many animals do you have in your care?
Our shelter cares for about 1200 animals per year.
2. Do you feel that there is an issue in PEI with people abandoning pets?
There is an issue everywhere with people abandoning pets. PEI is not unique, better or worse than any other jurisdiction. Every pet deserves to be safe and well cared for, so we continue to encourage people to rehome their pets in the best and safest way possible. As for why, people find themselves in difficult situations and don’t know what to do. Some people do not see the importance of the life of an animal, in the same way as we do, and consider that abandonment is a realistic option. Sometimes people are afraid to ask for help.
3. Do you feel that there is an issue with the mistreatment of pets in PEI? Again, PEI is not unique, but we do see humane cases every year. Not all are malicious mistreatment, often people do not know how to provide proper care and so animal needs are neglected. This can often be corrected with education and follow up to ensure the animal’s safety and wellbeing.
4. How many animals are adopted yearly?
844 animals were adopted out last year – this is about our yearly average
5. How many lost animals are returned to their owners yearly?
185 animals were returned to their owners in 2016
6. What is the most common reason pet owners have to give up their pets?
Usually, their circumstances have changed, they move and they can not take their pet or the new place will not allow them, they have changed or lost a job or for some other reason they can no longer afford to care for their animal. Senior citizens sometimes have to give up their pets because they move into senior’s housing.
There are also times when people get a new pet that will not adapt to their household – with other pets, or cats that want to go outdoors and are not settled, dogs that are too energetic etc. it is not a good fit, so they rehome them.
7. Do you think all non-breeder pet owners should get their pets spayed/neutered? Why or Why Not?
This is the responsible way to manage pet overpopulation. For owners who are not breeders, spay/neuter is better for the pet’s health, and often for behavior and temperament as well. We do not adopt out pets that are not spayed/neutered, and we encourage owners to spay and neuter as well.
8. Do you feel like there is a lack of donations from PEI? Why or why not?
PEI is very generous to the Humane Society. We can always use more support, to be able to expand our programs and provide better care. We are thankful for the support we receive from the community. It allows us to continue to operate.
9. When do you think is a good time to adopt a pet
You need to be financially ready, not just to care for your pet and feed them, but for vet care and in case of an accident or illness You need to be sure that you are ready to provide the best possible care for the animal, have enough time to care for and play with them, go for walks or spend time with them. You also have to think ahead. A pet can live up to 20 years are you ready to make that commitment.
10. Do you ever find it hard to work in the field and do you have any words for aspiring vets and rescuers?
Our team sees difficult situations all the time. Being able to do something about it certainly helps, but it is always hard to see an animal that has suffered unnecessarily. It is also hard to see people who care about their animals but can not afford to provide vet care for them. Knowing we can help in some way makes this easier. Being able to provide care and find new homes for animals reduces the stress of seeing them in a bad situation.
I would strongly encourage aspiring vets and rescuers to go and volunteer at a shelter or SPCA. Spend time with the animals and make sure they are ready for the commitment and the reality of animal welfare. I would also encourage them to study not just physical health and animal protection but to fully understand animal behavior, low stress handling and socialization with animals. These things are often not taught extensively, but can have a profound impact on the success of working with animals, particularly those that come from difficult situations. Understanding what an animal is trying to tell you is half the work of addressing behavior risks and often saves lives.
We'd like to thank Marla and The PEI Humane Society for such a quick response and for answering all our questions about the organisation. It was truly a pleasure. If you like to learn more or help support their cause you can visit their website: http://www.peihumanesociety.com
Thank you for reading,
- Marin.S