Estate Planning

Court Appoints Financial Monitor to Review Humane Society's Finances

By Hull & Hull LLP

The Superior Court of Justice (at Toronto) ruled Tuesday that the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche be appointed to monitor the finances of the Toronto Humane Society. In his ruling (which does not yet appear to have been put online), the Honourable Mr. Justice Brown also ordered that the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals retain the control and care of the pets currently housed at the Humane Society. 

As some of you may recall, this past November the president of the Humane Society (who announced this week that he would resign) and four senior managers were arrested and charged with animal cruelty. In addition, the organization's board of directors faces non-criminal charges. The matter is currently ongoing and no finding of guilt has been made against anyone involved.   

Apparently, in his ruling Justice Brown raised particular concern about legal fees the organization had incurred for seemingly non-essential reasons, unpaid hydro bills, incomplete financial statements, a decline in the value of its investments, and the fact that it had refused to disclose particulars regarding the liability insurance it carried for its directors and officers.

For those interested in the decision, generally court decisions are available on the website Canlii within a week or so of their release. 

In a statement, the Humane Society pledged to cooperate with the financial monitor and provide assistance in compiling the necessary financial information.   

Next up, Deloitte & Touche will provide the court with a preliminary report regarding the Humane Society's finances and the court will hear argument about whether the organization's board of directors should be removed and whether The Public Guardian and Trustee should conduct a formal investigation.

Have a great day!

Megan F. Connolly  

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on January 28, 2010 (boomark / email).