Paws for Laws Partnership Policy
Ensuring Ethical & Effective Collaboration Between Rescues & Indigenous Communities
1. Purpose
Paws for Laws is committed to fostering ethical, respectful, and sustainable partnerships between Indigenous communities and animal rescues. This policy establishes clear guidelines to ensure that all collaborations prioritize animal welfare, community needs, and cultural respect, benefiting both the animals and the people involved.
2. Guiding Principles
✅ Respect for Indigenous Communities – All rescues must recognize and respect the unique traditions, values, and governance of each Indigenous community. Partnerships should be built on open dialogue and mutual trust.
✅ Animal Welfare & Ethical Treatment – Every effort must be made to ensure humane treatment, responsible rehoming, and access to veterinary care for animals in need.
✅ Collaboration & Transparency – Both rescues and communities should communicate openly, ensuring clear expectations and shared decision-making.
✅ Long-Term Solutions – Partnerships should focus on sustainable programs, including spay/neuter initiatives, education, and responsible pet ownership, rather than just short-term interventions.
✅ Legal Compliance – All involved parties must adhere to local, provincial, and federal laws regarding animal welfare, transport, and public safety.
3. Roles & Responsibilities
3.1. Paws for Laws Responsibilities:
🔹 Act as a liaison between Indigenous communities and rescue organizations to ensure smooth partnerships.
🔹 Provide guidance, educational resources, and support for responsible pet ownership.
🔹 Assist in connecting communities with reputable rescue organizations.
🔹 Monitor and evaluate partnerships to ensure ethical standards are upheld.
3.2. Rescue Organization Responsibilities:
🔹 Work in collaboration with the community rather than imposing external solutions.
🔹 Provide clear communication and transparency about how rescued animals will be handled.
🔹 Ensure that animals are treated humanely and receive proper veterinary care.
🔹 Respect community decisions regarding the handling of stray or surrendered animals.
🔹 Follow all legal requirements related to transporting and adopting out animals.
🔹 Avoid unsanctioned removal of animals without community consent.
3.3. Indigenous Community Responsibilities:
🔹 Designate a community liaison to communicate with Paws for Laws and rescue partners.
🔹 Ensure that any agreed-upon rescue efforts are supported by community leadership.
🔹 Provide clear guidance on community expectations for animal care and management.
🔹 Support and encourage local efforts for spay/neuter, microchipping, and education.
4. Partnership Agreement & Expectations
To ensure accountability, all rescues and communities entering a partnership must:
🔹 Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the specific terms of collaboration.
🔹 Agree on a clear action plan, including timelines, responsibilities, and services offered.
🔹 Maintain regular check-ins to assess progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies as needed.
🔹 Uphold ethical standards, including no forced removals and no financial exploitation.
5. Conflict Resolution & Complaints
If any disagreements arise between a rescue and a community, Paws for Laws will:
Facilitate mediation to find a fair and culturally appropriate solution.
Investigate any allegations of misconduct and take corrective action if necessary.
Terminate partnerships with rescues or communities that repeatedly violate ethical or legal standards.
6. Termination of Partnership
Paws for Laws reserves the right to end partnerships if:
❌ A rescue fails to uphold humane and ethical treatment of animals.
❌ A community or rescue engages in dishonest, harmful, or exploitative behavior.
❌ Communication breaks down and cannot be reestablished despite mediation.
❌ There is non-compliance with local, provincial, or federal laws.
Partnerships may also be dissolved mutually if both parties feel the collaboration is no longer beneficial.
7. Review & Policy Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Updates may be made based on feedback from Indigenous communities, rescue organizations, and legal advisors.
📌 By working together with respect, compassion, and transparency, Paws for Laws, rescues, and Indigenous communities can create lasting positive change for animals and the people who care for them.