Press release – for immediate release
Montreal, December 18, 2013 – On September 3, 2013, the Montreal SPCA and the MAPAQ (Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), assisted by HSI Canada, seized 84 dogs from a commercial breeding facility, known as “Chenil des Petits Amours”, in the Monteregie region, south of Montreal. Today, all 84 dogs, along with the numerous puppies born since the seizure, were surrendered to the Montreal SPCA and are now available for adoption.
The dogs, mostly Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, have been under the care of the Montreal SPCA for over 3 months. “We are so pleased, and relieved, that the dogs will be placed into loving forever homes and that they will never be used for breeding again” said Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA. “Most of these dogs required veterinary care, and of course each dog will be sterilized, micro-chipped along with the medical care they have already received, before being adopted”.
The dogs were surrendered by the owner from whom they were seized, Maria Conceico Pereira, owner of “Chenil des Petits Amours”. Ms. Conceico Pereira is charged with 19 violations of the Animal Health Protection Act (P-42) and accompanying regulations. The charges include failing to provide the dogs with the health care required by their condition while they are wounded, sick or suffering.
Dogs from the seizure are available at the Montreal SPCA, 5215 Jean-Talon West, starting today, December 18. Families interested in adopting are asked to come with all members of their family (including canine members if there are any) during adoption hours: Monday-Friday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Many of these dogs have special medical and behavioral issues that families will need to continue working on. The Montreal SPCA would also like to remind the public that there are many other dogs and pets available for adoption through our shelter and that they are all looking for a forever home.
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Media Contact: Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy, Montreal SPCA, 514-735-2711, ext 2245, or adevine@spcamontreal.com
About the SPCA: The Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society in Canada, founded in Montreal in 1869. Guided by the humane ethic, it is the mission of the SPCA to:
- protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
- represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
- raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.
Our role is to prevent cruelty to animals through a number of actions that benefit animals and humans. Visit our web site at www.spca.com.
For many years, Montreal’s SPCA has been working hard with the three levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal) to improve laws on animal protection. In 2012, our inspection service investigated 1,387 complaints and conducted the inspection of 4,645 animals, all species combined. They also removed over 100 animals as a result of their investigations and many criminal charges were laid.
PHOTOS: Jo-Anne McArthur
