Montreal, June 11, 2014 – Yesterday, the Montreal SPCA seized 35 large breed dogs and puppies from a facility located in the Lanaudière region. Following a number of inspections performed by the Montreal SPCA, the decision was made to seize the dogs under the Animal Health Protection Act (P–42). Montreal SPCA inspectors concluded that the premises where these dogs were being kept were in violation of the Act and its regulations.
The seized dogs, who are mostly huskies and husky mixes, were used for commercial breeding, sledding and guarding. They have spent most of their lives living in unsanitary conditions, either chained outdoors or crated inside a house. The dogs were safely removed from the premises and are currently in the custody of the Montreal SPCA, where they are receiving the attention and veterinary care that they require.
This seizure comes shortly after the appointment of Pierre Paradis as the new Ministre de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation. He has publicly stated on several occasions that he intends to strengthen Quebec’s animal welfare legislation and to take the necessary measures to provide adequate protection for all animals in this province. “We, at the Montreal SPCA, find the statements made by Minister Paradis very encouraging,” said Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA. “We believe that we are on the verge of seeing real changes for animals in this province, and we look forward to working with Minister Paradis and his team to help bring about these changes”.om a facility located in the Lanaudière region. Following a number of inspections performed by the Montreal SPCA, the decision was made to seize the dogs under the Animal Health Protection Act (P–42). Montreal SPCA inspectors concluded that the premises where these dogs were being kept were in violation of the Act and its regulations.
If you witness any incident of cruelty or animal neglect, please report it to the Montreal SPCA inspection department by leaving a message at: (514) 735-2711 ext. 2230, or sending an email to inspection@spca.com. In case of emergency, please call (514) 735-2711, extension 0.
Animal abuse or neglect can also be reported to the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation by calling 1 800 463-5023 (option 4) or by sending an email at: centraledesignalement@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
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Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com.
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first humane society in Canada and our mission is 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.
For many years, the Montreal SPCA has been working hard with the three levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal) to improve laws on animal protection. In 2013, our inspection service investigated 1,102 new complaints and conducted the inspection of 2,846 animals, all species combined. A total of 195 animals were seized as a result of their investigations and several criminal prosecutions or charges have been brought.
For more information about the Montreal SPCA, please visit our website at www.spca.com.
