Montreal, June 14, 2013 – Every summer, around moving day, thousands of Quebec residents are forced to make the gut-wrenching decision to part with a beloved pet, whom they consider a member of their family. Because only a very small minority of landlords in the province of Quebec permit pets, it can be extremely difficult for families with pets to secure affordable rental housing. This year Montreal’s SPCA is taking action to urge the provincial government to prohibit no pet clauses in residential leases, in order to address this situation.
In the months surrounding moving day, the number of animals abandoned at Montreal’s SPCA nearly triples (from about 600 to approximately 1,600 per month). The situation is devastating, not only to the families who find themselves unable to keep their pets, but for the animals themselves. “Housing is a fundamental right, and it is essential that families be legally permitted to take their entire family with them when they move, that includes non-human family members too” said Nicholas Gilman Executive Director of Montreal’s SPCA. “We have seen so many heartbreaking stories of families forced to move due to financial or other constraints, and being unable to find any rental housing within their budget that will accept their pets. This situation is particularly common for elderly people, often who rely on their pets as their sole source of companionship.”
Faced with a similar problem, the Ontario government responded by enacting legislation invalidating no-pet clauses in leases in the 1990’s. “We believe it is time for Quebec to follow Ontario’s lead on this issue, legislative amendments must be made to ensure that discriminatory clauses prohibiting pets are no longer permitted in residential leases” said Alanna Devine Director of Animal Advocacy at Montreal’s SPCA. “We are asking the voting public to let the provincial government know that this is an issue, which is why we are urging people to sign the online petition addressed to the National Assembly and write letters to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy (MAMROT) about this issue”
Links to the petition and a standard letter to MAMROT, along with a FAQ sheet to address frequently asked questions about this campaign, are all available on the home page of Montreal’s SPCA’s website: www.spca.com
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Media Contact: Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at Montreal’s SPCA, 514-735-2711, ext 2245, or adevine@spca.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
