Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee

Minutes

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Committee Room
Present:
  • Donna Benson, Chair
  • Melinda Diebel, Barn Cat Co-op
  • Dianne Fil, Spay, Neuter Initiatives
  • MJ Galaski, Animal Rescue Krew
  • Kimberley Mack, Golden Rescue
  • Kelli Polsinelli, Wild Earth Refuge
  • Councillor Nicholson
Absent:
  • Kassie Dickson
  • Kim Marchbank, Team Chelsea
Also Present:
  • P. Aguilera, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • J. Kelloway, Council Committee Coordinator
  • S. Prodenzino, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • J. Bishop, Director, Community and Environmental Services
  • M. Meyer, Supervisor, Animal Services

Donna Benson, Chair called the meeting to order and advised that all members were participating from the Committee Meeting Room except Kelli Polsinelli who was participating electronically.

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands within the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, which include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations. We are grateful for the Anishinaabeg who have cared for the land and waters within this territory since time immemorial.

We recognize that Oshawa is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is now present day home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We express gratitude for this diverse group of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land and shape and strengthen our community.

As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing the negative impacts that colonization continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, developing reciprocal relationships, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

We are all Treaty people.

  • Moved byKelli Polsinelli

    That the delegation from Martin Field concerning Report OACAC-25-10 regarding regulating the commercial sale of animals in pet shops, namely small animals (pocket pets) including reptiles and birds be added to the agenda of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee meeting of September 23, 2025.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Nicholson

    That the delegation of Martin Field be heard.

    Carried

Martin Field addressed the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee regarding regulating the commercial sale of animals in pet shops, namely small animals (pocket pets) including reptiles and birds be added to the agenda of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee meeting of September 23, 2025

  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That Report OACAC-25-08, dated September 19, 2025, being the proposed 2026 Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee Work Plan & Budget be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byMJ Galaski

    That Report OACAC-25-09, dated September 18, 2025 being the Community Resources Working Group Report on Pet Wellness Days be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byKimberley Mack

    That Report OACAC-25-10, dated September 18, 2025, being the Regulatory and Bylaw Working Group Report be received for information.

    Carried
  • Moved byMelinda Diebel

    That a brochure be created on behalf of the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee stating reasons why wild animals should not be kept as pets and that $600 from the OACAC budget be dedicated to the publication of the brochure once it has been approved.

    Carried
  • Moved byMJ Galaski

    That the meeting adjourn at 7:30 p.m.

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