In the heart of the battle against animal cruelty, Ewa Demianowicz stands as a beacon of hope and change. Serving as the Senior Campaign Manager for Companion Animals at Humane Society International/Canada, Ewa and her team at Friends of Humane Society International are dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of some of the world’s most severely abused dogs. Their specialized facility not only provides essential veterinary care and behavioral therapy but also a chance for these animals to start anew. In this interview, we will explore the profound issues this charity addresses, the changes they’ve spurred in animal welfare, and how every one of us can play a part in fostering a compassionate world. Join us as we delve into the impactful work that has saved thousands of lives and continues to fight for those without a voice.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Friends of Humane Society International’s care and rehabilitation centre is the last hope for some of the most abused dogs in the world. Our team of experts offer essential veterinary care and specialized behavioural therapy to give dogs rescued from severe abuse a chance at a better future. Animals at our facility are rescued from extreme cruelty and neglect, such as puppy mills, the global dog meat trade, or dog fighting rings. Our shelter team brings deep expertise and behavioural understanding to help dogs heal from their traumas, trust people again, and learn the skills they need to thrive in loving homes.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Animals coming from the worst situations of cruelty and neglect will often present physical and psychological trauma that requires specialized care and expertise. Years of abuse can inflict severe physical issues, but also major psychological scars and profound anxiety. Behavioural issues arising from fear trauma can be overcome with modern animal rehabilitation techniques, based on positive reinforcement, and lots of love and care. However, such interventions require time, expertise, and resources that are often beyond the capacity of already overburdened shelters and rescue groups. As a result, countless animals are needlessly euthanized in shelters across the country every day. Our Canadian care and rehabilitation centre offers a second chance for these dogs and has saved the lives of thousands of animals in need.
When did you start/join it?
Friends of HSI has been rescuing animals from situations of cruelty and neglect and providing care to highly traumatized animals since 2008.
What made you want to get involved?
In Canada and around the world, millions of dogs are suffering in situations of severe cruelty and neglect. They are trapped in barren cages in puppy mills, permanently tethered in unethical sledge dog operations, forced to endure the horrors of dogfighting operations, intensively confined on dog meat farms and suffer profound deprivation and abuse every day of their lives. In some cases, authorities are able to intervene and rescue the animals. — but that is when the hard work truly begins. Because many of the rescued animals are traumatized from the suffering they endure and have fear-based behavioural issues. These animals need extensive and specialized care to recover from their trauma, and our Canadian care and rehabilitation centre provides a solution for these desperate animals.
What was the situation like when you started?
In 2008, a lack of proper legislation and enforcement failed to protect animals here in Quebec, and beyond. Animals were being abused without consequences to the abusers and authorities would rarely intervene to rescue these animals from the abuse. Puppy mills were common, with thousands of them operating around the province, producing countless puppies in appalling conditions. Unethical dog sledge operations kept dogs permanently chained outside without much protection from extreme weather conditions. Meaningful change was needed to help end the unnecessary suffering of countless animals.
How has it changed since?
In 2008, Friends of HSI began working with local agencies and authorities to assist in the rescue of animals from situations of mass cruelty and neglect. By providing training, expertise and assistance to various agencies, we increased the number of animals that were rescued from these appalling situations. At the same time, we were able to drive important amendments to legislation. Since then, improved legislation and increased enforcement has helped to save more animals from the worst situations of abuse.
Friends of HSI has helped rescue, rehabilitate, and place over 3,000 animals coming from these situations of abuse.
Additionally, Friends of HSI offers trainings to animal shelters on innovative behavioural therapy, which is greatly increasing national rehabilitation capacity, and supporting access to care initiatives across the country.
What more needs to be done?
Unfortunately, there will always be more animals that need help. Animals continue to suffer in various situations of extreme cruelty and neglect. More investment in enforcement and better regulations will help remove more animals from terrible circumstances. Moreover, help from the community is needed. People can play an important role in stopping cruelty and animal abuse, so raising public awareness and empowering people to make an impact is key to creating a better world for animals.
How can our readers help?
- By choosing adoption when looking for a new companion animal
- By volunteering their time with local shelters or rescue groups
- By donating to support our work
- By learning about animal welfare issues
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PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Mission Mayday is a non-profit organization whose primary missions are animal welfare education and the rescue of animals in need. They help us place the animals that pass through our centre into loving homes!
