Yukon North Of Ordinary

News archive for October 30, 2012

Humane society’s case is put off

The president of the Humane Society Yukon and others facing charges under the Societies Act asked for and received a two-week adjournment of the case this morning.

By Chuck Tobin on October 30, 2012 at 3:20 pm

photo

Photo by Whitehorse Star

Pictured Above: SHELLEY CUTHBERT

The president of the Humane Society Yukon and others facing charges under the Societies Act asked for and received a two-week adjournment of the case this morning.

“We need the time to consult with a lawyer,” Shelley Cuthbert told justice of the peace Gary Burgess on behalf of four co-accused standing beside her.

One of the accused, Jillian Chown, told Burgess she volunteered to sit on the society’s board beginning in August but resigned in September.

Chown said she has no knowledge of the matters before the territorial court, as she was away during the relevant period of time.

Burgess said he could not dismiss her from the charges at this point, though he added she’ll have an opportunity to have her name removed when she meets with the territorial prosecutor before the matter gets too far along.

Cuthbert and others are facing a charges of not maintaining adequate financial records required by the Societies Act, and other issues related to responsibilities required of non-profit organizations.

Burgess scheduled the next court appearance for Nov. 13.

An investigation of the humane society under the act raised several concerns, as laid out in a 20-page report issued Sept. 10 by the registrar of societies.

The humane society has been dealing with internal issues for a year or more.

Most recently, the laundry has been flapping in the wind quite openly, so to speak, to the point where at least one former member of the board called for a truce.

Also in court this morning were a couple of people who have openly challenged the board of directors, and have filed legal action, claiming they’re owed money by the society.

The board has filed a counter claim.

CommentsAdd a comment

Adele Sandrock

Oct 30, 2012 at 7:47 pm

How much more time do they need?

DG

Oct 31, 2012 at 8:00 am

I think that Cuthbert should stop this farce and step down as the so-called President.  What is she hiding with not supplying the proper financial documents? From what I have seen in the various newspaper articles this women has a chip on her shoulder and it is the HSY that is suffering for her actions.  I would make sure that ANY money that was donated to the HSY is going ONLY to the shelter and not funding her selfish motives and paying for this ridiculous and frivolous court action.

bobby bitman

Nov 1, 2012 at 7:55 pm

Very sad.  A lot of good people wanting good things for animals, and somehow it has all become de-railed.  At least the place is still up and running, and animals are still being cared for.  I do not believe that these delaying tactics should be allowed.  This has gone on long enough.  There are rules for charitable organizations and they are not being followed.  Guidance is needed from the court.  Get on with it, that’s my opinion.

Adele Sandrock

Nov 2, 2012 at 1:19 pm

HSY Annual General Meeting
23. Nov./7 pm at the Shelter

The HSY board plans to conduct the AGM only for members of the HSY - this is against the rules, they can’t exclude non-members from an AGM. I can only urge non-members to show up - I will be there.

north_of_60

Nov 3, 2012 at 2:44 pm

I concluded that the HSY was sadly misdirected after the Trevor fiasco.  I wouldn’t give them anything.

Miriam Smith

Nov 3, 2012 at 5:54 pm

I would also like to express how unfortunate this situation has become. While having an AGM is a step forward I am concerned that the current board is setting themselves up for more conflict. Why would the AGM be held at the shelter with such limited space and with an overflow of animals appear to be not the most conducive place to hold a meeting and conduct the necessary business. There has been a call out for new people to become aware and work for the Society, but very limited space will not accomplish this goal.  Why not book a meeting room?  There are many other available locations in Whitehorse.  Given the current state of affairs will the board be utilizing a facilitator that can keep things on track and not have this meeting become more conflict of personalities.  The Society needs to   focus on moving forward.

north_of_60

Nov 5, 2012 at 11:26 pm

From the very beginning, the record of this organization and shelter has been one of mismanagement and personality conflicts.  It seems to prove that animal lovers are not the best people for running an organization or a shelter.

The City or Territory should manage the shelter and hire animal lovers to staff it. 

It would be more efficient, cheaper, and more humane.

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