The Pet and Wildlife Rescue group was thrilled with council’s decision on Monday, which puts them in charge of animal control services in Wards 2 and 6 in Chatham-Kent.
Myriam Armstrong, who will be the new facility manager at the Chatham animal shelter, said their entire group is excited.
“A lot of work, a lot of volunteer hours, loads of dedication and hard work,” Armstrong told the Sydenham Current.
The contract for services with the OSPCA, and lease of the existing animal shelter in Chatham, expires on November 11 this year.
This is when PAWR takes over.
“We have some equipment to purchase and hiring to do but besides that, we are ready to go,” Armstrong said.
“We offer more services and always have, we will continue to offer these services as time and donated funds allow.”
Council approved a staff recommendation for the Municipality to enter into a $627,200.52 contract with PAWR, which would run until March of 2018.
PAWR, who formed in 2014, narrowly edged the Sarnia District Humane Society, who also bid on the contract.
The change in operator ends a decades-long partnership with the OSPCA in Chatham.
“The OSPCA decided not to bid on the current contract for services and so will be ending its longstanding operation of animal control services and the Chatham animal shelter,” said Judy Smith, in a report to council.
“Chatham-Kent wishes to thank the OSPCA for its many years of service to the animals and citizens of Chatham-Kent. The OSPCA will have a smaller but continued presence in Chatham-Kent as it fulfils its legislated authority to respond to allegations of animal cruelty. Chatham-Kent will continue to partner with the OSPCA in this regard.”
Armstrong said PAWR is looking forward to working “hand-in-hand” with the Wallaceburg contractor as well as the other two animal control contractors across Chatham-Kent.
“We already work with Vicky from Glencoe and Suzanne from Wallaceburg to some extent.”
Armstrong said the communication lines will be open, in order to further enhance those partnerships.
“We want to work with the whole community of Chatham-Kent. So we want to work hand-in-hand with anyone involved. We will have to direct the public to the correct provider. If you call about a stray dog in Dresden, then Wallaceburg will to go get it. Also the other contractors do not take in cats, so we will have to work hand-in-hand with them when it comes to that.”
Part of the contract with the Municipality has PAWR sending in 15% of their donations four times a year to be put into a Chatham-Kent reserve, for repairs and capital upgrades to the Chatham-Kent animal shelter.
A lengthy debate was held in the council chambers on Monday night about the animal control item.
Some councillors questioned the experience of the PAWR group, especially compared to the Sarnia District Humane Society, who scored better then PAWR in many areas on the application.
Plans are in the works for PAWR to meet with members of the Chatham and South Kent communities to address any concerns.
