GUELPH, ON (June 17, 2021) – A group of several humane societies has formalized their partnership as the Ontario Animal Welfare Network (OAWN), A Collaboration of Leading Community SPCAs & Humane Societies. The OAWN formed after years of informal collaboration between the humane societies to share best practices, lend support and help individual organizations grow — all with the goal of helping animals.
The group consists of 11 humane societies and SPCAs who together serve more than 30% of Ontario’s population:
- Guelph Humane Society
- Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
- Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes
- Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth
- Humane Society London & Middlesex
- Lincoln County Humane Society
- Oakville & Milton Humane Society
- Ottawa Humane Society
- Sarnia & District Humane Society
- Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society
- Windsor/Essex County Humane Society
“This collaboration has been tremendous,” says OAWN member Steve Ryall. “When I joined Humane Society London & Middlesex as Executive Director, it was hugely helpful to be able to draw on the experience of other leaders across the province.”
The group provides leadership on animal welfare matters, advocates for animals and works to bring humane societies and SPCA’s in Ontario together collaboratively. Since 2016, OAWN has unofficially partnered to strengthen individual organizations in the interests of animal welfare. “This has been an amazing partnership that was missing in Ontario,” says Windsor/Essex County Humane Society Executive Director Melanie Coulter. “If I need to run an idea past someone, if I need a policy or a recommendation for a supplier, I have colleagues across the province to turn to.”
Beginning with just five members, OAWN has grown to 11 members and continues to advocate, educate and collaborate.
Those interested in learning more about the Ontario Animal Welfare Network are invited to visit www.oawn.ca.
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About the Guelph Humane Society
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
Follow GHS:
Facebook: @guelphhumanesociety
Twitter: @guelphhumane
Instagram: @the_ghs
Media Contact
Kevin Strooband
Executive Director
Lincoln County Humane Society
(905) 682-0200
Local Media Contact
Adrienne McBride
Executive Director
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091
ed@guelphhumane.ca