The Kingston Humane Society is stretched, and students are helping to relieve some of the pressure.
Operating well over capacity, the Kingston Humane Society (KHS) is preparing for the winter months. Executive Director Gord Hunter explained any student involvement is helpful.
Queen’s students fostering animals and volunteering at KHS significantly impact the animals and the facility, Hunter explained. Without them, the KHS would have to turn animals away.
KHS’s capacity is capped at 144 animals, including 96 cats and 48 dogs. Over the past two years the society has been home to more than 238 animals, 60 per cent over capacity. Students who come in even only to walk the dogs and cuddle the cats make a difference to the welfare of the entire shelter.
In his role, Hunter helps abused and neglected animals. He works alongside a veterinarian and many student volunteers. Working at KHS takes an emotional toll, with some animals experiencing years of mistreatment.
“You have to be ready to witness some of the worst humanity done towards animals,” Hunter said in an interview with The Journal. “Our staff are tremendous.”
Animal mistreatment of seven rescued dogs led to the arrest of three locals. Hunter described one of the dogs, Logo, as experiencing extreme anxiety because of her abuse. It’s moments like these where Hunter and his team focus on the stories with happy endings.
“A cat just got adopted after 314 days with us, and a large breed dog who had been here for 618 days,” Hunter said. “Often there are great, happy ending.”
It’s not only Kingston’s animal shelters that are struggling with small capacities—it’s happening across Ontario. In Peterborough, the humane society recently purchased a 20,000 square foot building, five times larger than their current facility.
Animal shelters seek assistance financially as well. In 2021, under expenses alone, their annual report showed a $1.8 million loss. Since the KHS is ed solely by the community, it doesn’t receive any government assistance in caring for animals. This means that it needs as many donations as possible to keep caring for furry friends.
“It’s costing an arm and a leg,” Hunter said. “Kingston is in need of a new animal welfare shelter.”
Hunter called on students to help. Whether through fostering animals, volunteering at the shelter to provide animal enrichment, or participating in local fundraisers, students can help KHS with their mission of making a positive difference in animal cruelty.
“We couldn’t function without Queen’s students ing us,” Hunter said.
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