The Winnipeg Humane Society has announced an appointment it says is a first for an animal welfare agency in the province: an in-house animal advocacy lawyer.
On Thursday, the WHS named Krista Boryskavich, who has decades of experience in private legal practice as well as with the City of Winnipeg as its solicitor and director of legal services, to the new role.
“This position will be a driving force in helping us improve the welfare of farmed, wild, and companion animals throughout Manitoba,” the humane society’s CEO, Jessica Miller, said in a statement.
“From working to make legislative changes to flagging opportunities to strengthen the voice of animals being used for entertainment purposes, this position will remain wide in scope.”
Boryskavich’s role will include giving legal advice to the WHS and its board, as well as working on animal welfare legislation and its enforcement.
Howard Almdal, chair of WHS’s board of directors, said that Boryskavich’s appointment would bring in years of experience. This, coupled with “her knowledge of animal welfare issues” means that she’s a great choice for the position, he said.
“What has happened as an organization (is that) we’ve grown and the need in Manitoba has grown. The need for legal counsel really is the tipping point,” said Almdal. “It’s a really exciting new era for us.”
With Boryskavich leading the charge, Almdal said WHS is ready to tackle a number of priorities. These include addressing the exportation of horses, dealing with investigations into animal cruelty, and even ensuring that Manitoba continues to adhere to the Animal Care Act.
Comments