Town of Erin Lease Decision Threatens Future of Local Animal Shelter

PUBLIC STATEMENT - JULY 10, 2025

The Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) has received official confirmation from the Town of Erin that our lease at 5383 Trafalgar Road will not be renewed beyond May 2028. After more than 30 years of providing care, compassion, and critical services to the community, our animal shelter is now facing the difficult reality of having to relocate —or close. 

This decision by Erin Town Council has far-reaching consequences, not only for the animals in our care, but for the entire community. To clarify the Town’s decision, CAO Rob Adams states that “UCHS does not provide shelter services for the Town of Erin”, referencing the Town’s contract with a separate provider for basic animal control services. But Upper Credit Humane Society is the community’s animal shelter and far more. We are a vital local service. We rescue and rehabilitate stray and surrendered animals, match them with loving families, support pet owners in crisis, re-unite lost pets with their families, and provide education and volunteer opportunities for residents of all ages. Our work has touched thousands of lives for more than three decades. UCHS helps to make Erin a more compassionate place to live. 

While the Town has expressed a willingness to help our animal shelter find a new site, they have clearly stated their priority regarding our current location is to “maximize the property’s value” for taxpayers—in other words, profit over compassion and community impact. But the true value of our shelter’s work cannot be measured in dollars. The decision to remove a longstanding charitable organization that has served thousands of animals and families in the name of financial gain comes at a profound ethical and social cost. Is this what the residents of Erin want?  

In early 2024, UCHS developed a forward-looking plan to remain at our current location by building a modern, multi-use community hub, including an expanded shelter, animal control services, educational programming, public trails, a visitor information centre, and a fenced dog park. This plan aligns directly with the Town’s strategic priorities and is widely backed by residents and the Erin Chamber of Commerce. Despite multiple requests, UCHS was never granted the opportunity to formally present this proposal to Council before they made the decision to end our lease. 

While this is a challenging moment, UCHS remains deeply committed to our mission and is hopeful that, with the support of the Town and the communities we serve, we can find a path forward. We need you, our supporters, to help us secure a future where no animal is left behind simply because profit was prioritized over compassion. 

 Here’s how you can help: 

• Write to and/or Meet with Town Council and Staff: Share why UCHS matters to you. Express how vital UCHS is to Erin and the region. Ask them to reconsider how they define “value” and to reverse their decision to force us out. Contact:  council@erin.ca, cao@erin.ca, 519-855-4407 (Town of Erin) 
• Spread the word/Share with your networks: The more voices we have, the harder we are to ignore. If UCHS is forced to leave, it will leave behind a deep void in care and compassion for both animals and people.
• Sign our petition: https://chng.it/vDrcdSHnXj
• Contact UCHS with your suggestions/support: board@uppercredit.com 

We will continue to keep the public informed and are grateful for the unwavering support of our community. With your help, the Upper Credit Humane Society will not only survive — but thrive. 

Now is the time to raise your voice. The animals are counting on us. Let’s ensure no animal is left behind. 

 – Upper Credit Humane Society