Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill has declared August as Prince Edward Island Humane Society Month.
"The Prince Edward Island Humane Society provides an invaluable service in promoting and providing for the humane treatment of animals," said Mr. Hammill. "Declaring August as Humane Society Month will help to increase public awareness and recognition about the work of the Society, the plight of homeless animals and the importance of responsible pet guardianship."
"The Prince Edward Island Humane Society is celebrating 25 years of serving the community and providing shelter and protection to homeless animals," said Patricia LeGrow, President of the Society. "Last year our society admitted over 3100 animals to its shelter in Charlottetown. I urge every pet owner to help prevent unwanted litters by spaying or neutering their pets before they can contribute to pet overpopulation."
August 21 is also National Homeless Animal Day. It is commemorated nationwide by humane societies and animal welfare organizations to bring attention to the tragic situation of dog and cat overpopulation.
The Prince Edward Island Humane Society operates the only shelter and adoption program for homeless companion animals in the province. It also provides bylaw enforcement services to municipalities, enforces the provincial Dog Act, and investigates complaints regarding cruelty, abandonment, neglect, and abuse. The Dog Act is enforced under contract with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
The minister said that, in declaring August as Humane Society Month, he is asking Islanders to join in supporting the work of the Society and the many services it provides to animals throughout the province.
For more information, contact: Pat LeGrow, President of the PEI Humane Society, (902) 566-3641, or Heather Irving, Executive Director of the PEI Humane Society, (902) 892-1190.