The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LISSA McComb Pinder has taken over as president of the Bahamas Humane Society, promising to expand veterinary services, improve facilities and bring spay and neuter services back to the organisation.

Mrs McComb Pinder succeeds Kim Aranha, who stepped down on September 23 after 19 years as president, alongside long-serving vice president Charlotte Albury.

Mrs McComb Pinder, a prominent animal welfare advocate and one of the leaders of the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK), said the BHS can do more to reduce animal suffering in The Bahamas.

“Caring for animals isn’t a hobby for me, it’s a way of life, and I am choosing to take on this role because I believe we can do even more to end the suffering in this country,” she said.

Her priorities include facility and animal welfare improvements, expanded veterinary services, evening clinics for the community, the return of spay and neuter services to BHS and increased community involvement and adoptions.

Mrs McComb Pinder said the organisation carries a significant animal welfare burden in New Providence, caring for hundreds of animals each day while also working beyond the shelter.

“This is a task that will take the combined effort of all of us to make the improvements that our animals and our community deserve,” she said.

She said BHS staff regularly face difficult and heartbreaking situations and that she intends to provide support, listen to staff and introduce greater structure.

Dr Dan Katz was recently appointed managing director and medical director, bringing the society’s veterinary and animal welfare operations under one coordinated leadership structure.

Alicia Curry has also been appointed animal care supervisor.

Mrs McComb Pinder said she, Dr Katz and Ms Curry have worked closely together in animal welfare for the past three years.

Joining Mrs McComb Pinder on the new executive are first vice president Annabeth Maura and second vice president Dr Valentino Grant of Caves Village Animal Hospital. Amanda Meyers will serve as treasurer and Joanne Symonette as secretary.

Mrs Aranha described her departure after nearly two decades as “a changing of the guard”.

“Frankly, nobody should be president of anything for 19 years,” she said with a smile.

Mrs Aranha said it had taken time to find someone both willing and able to assume the responsibility of leading the organisation.

“We are extremely fortunate to have found that person in Lissa,” she said.

Mrs Albury served alongside Mrs Aranha as vice president for more than 15 years, with the pair described as a “true power team”.

Mrs Aranha said she has confidence in the incoming executive.

“The new executive has got this,” she said. “They bring a wealth of experience, energy and commitment to animal welfare.”

Although stepping down from their executive positions, Mrs Aranha and Mrs Albury will remain involved through an advisory board, allowing the new leadership to draw on their institutional knowledge and experience.