Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies [http://cfhs.ca/] (CFHS) is the only national animal welfare organization representing humane societies, SPCAs and animal rescue organizations across the country. The CFHS represents community-based and provincial/territorial member societies on animal welfare issues of national importance and supports the work of its diverse membership.

Background

Based in Ottawa, ON, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is a not-for-profit organization originally founded in 1957 by individuals who worked on behalf of local societies across Canada. The work begun by the Federation over 50 years ago has resulted in significant changes for animals but regrettably some of those concerns remain key issues today.

Programs

The CFHS’s program work focuses on companion animals, farm animals and legislation. The Federation continues to push hard for changes to Canada’s federal animal cruelty law, which was originally enacted in 1892 and is full of loopholes that prevent the prosecution of many animal abusers. The Federation works with the Canadian livestock sector to improve standards of care for animals on-farm, as well as in transit and at slaughter. As a founding member of the National Companion Animal Coalition, the CFHS has been involved in setting the standard for microchip identification for pets, and has worked on issues such as dog bite prevention, puppy mills and municipal bylaws for dogs and cats. The CFHS is also an ex-officio member of the Animal Welfare Committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association [http://canadianveterinarians.net/index.aspx] .

Funding

The CFHS does not receive any government funding. It relies on donations from the public, corporate sponsorship and some membership fees to develop educational programs, to promote effective animal welfare legislation and to support, unite and represent local humane societies and SPCAs.

Governance

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is governed by a volunteer-based Board of Directors. Board members must not be employed by the Federation or its member societies. Once elected, members of the Board of Directors meet twice each year while an Executive Committee meets as needed. The CFHS website maintains a current Board of Director member list.

Membership

Over 40 non-profit animal welfare organizations, humane societies and SPCAs operating in more than 100 communities across Canada are currently part of the CFHS’ trial and full membership. Through their donors and their members’ networks, the Federation reaches more than 400,000 people nationwide.

Publications

Animal Welfare in Focus [http://cfhs.ca/info/animal_welfare_in_focus/] is the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies’ flagship publication. This tabloid size publication contains the latest news from the CFHS and member societies, as well as important animal welfare information from across Canada and around the world.

With over twenty years in publication, Animal Welfare in Focus has a strong and diverse readership that includes member societies, animal welfare professionals, municipal leaders, federal decision makers, donors and the general public.