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“We’re a private and non-profit organization and do not believe we’re the best ones to be enforcing public laws,” Wilson told the committee. She said the decision is allowing the society to focus on its goals of sheltering animals, adoptions, offering veterinary services and providing education.

In addition to funds it independently raises, the society receives about $500,000 from the city each year to put towards its operations. It estimates about $200,000 annually is spent on the enforcement efforts.

As part of administration’s planning for a permanent enforcement solution, it will look at the amount of funding the society recieves.

Wilson said the society made the decision last December and advised city administration that month. She said the society is happy to help with the transition.

Mayor Don Iveson said one of the downsides of outsourcing services to a third-party organization is this possibility of a change of heart.

“More notice would have been appreciated quite frankly, but, that said, the city has been able to scramble effectively and ensure that animals will be protected,” Iveson said.

Asked to respond to the mayor’s comments, Wilson said she has been impressed by the city’s agility in responding to the situation.

Two members of the Calgary Humane Society travelled to Edmonton to attend the Wednesday meeting because they wanted to stress the importance of having a local body in place to enforce the Animal Protection Act.