When the Timmins and District Humane Society took over the animal control contract for the City of Timmins in July of 2005, it was soon faced with the heart wrenching issue of having to euthanize perfectly adoptable animals due to lack of space. Not willing to accept this fate for the many loving and wonderful animals that came into our care we soon started thinking ‘outside the box’ for a solution.
We first started transferring adoptable animals to the Sudbury Ontario SPCA Branch when they had room, but we were still left with not having enough space for all the animals that came into our care. So in February of 2006 the Society committed itself to no longer euthanizing adoptable animals simply because of a lack of space, and thus, we officially launched our Animal transfer program. Eventually called the ‘Second Chance’ Animal Transfer Program this transfer program began its inception with limited resources with respect to transfer locations, manpower, vehicle accessibility and related expenses. However, the Society remained committed, persevered and the program has grown by leaps and bounds. Today we outreach to humane societies that include the Cambridge Humane Society, Hamilton Burlington Humane Society, York Region Humane Society and Lincoln County Humane Society. We also outreach to rescue groups such as All Hearts Rescue, Lab Rescue Ontario, Speaking of Dogs and Tiny Paws Rescue. We are proud to say that due to the hard work, dedication and all consuming belief that we can avoid the needless euthanasia of adoptable dogs, the Timmins and District Humane Society can boast being a very busy pound that has not euthanized an adoptable dog since February of 2006. This means that to date the Society has transferred and saved over 4000 Animals from being euthanized.
Despite our success we continue to need the support and monetary help of the community, since this program survives solely on donation funds. So please help us continue the amazing work we do for the Animals that come into our care and donate. Our staff, volunteers and Animals thank you!