Press release – For immediate release

The Michel-Chartrand Park deer will not be culled until a trial is held on the merits

Montréal, December 14 2022 – In a decision rendered this afternoon, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the arguments presented by the Montreal SPCA and ordered the City of Longueuil to suspend any plans to cull the deer in Michel-Chartrand Park until the case can be heard on its merits.

In their decision, the Honourable Justices Jacques J. Levesque, Stephen W. Hamilton and Michel Beaupré of the Quebec Court of Appeal state that “to the extent that the case on the merits proceeds expeditiously, the harm to the public interest alleged by the City should not worsen, while the harm alleged by the appellants if the deer cull were to commence would become irreparable”. (SPCA translation)

“The Montreal SPCA is delighted with this victory in the Court of Appeal and is relieved that the deer in Michel-Chartrand Park will be safe until the case can be heard on its merits,” said Sophie Gaillard, Acting Executive Director and Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montreal SPCA. “We are pleased to know that we will have the opportunity to bring before a court the important societal and legal issues raised by this case.”

As part of its intervention, the Montreal SPCA will argue that animals’ status as “sentient beings” in the Civil Code of Quebec, which was granted to them in 2015, requires that governments take into account their sentient nature and therefore their welfare, as well as their interest in remaining alive. In this context, the decision by the City of Longueuil to put the deer to death is problematic in several respects:

The City’s chosen method of killing, bow hunting, frequently causes wounds that do not kill the target animal instantly, such that the time until death can be prolonged and the animal remains conscious while dying from massive blood loss. This method therefore presents a high risk of suffering.

By apparently omitting any preventive component (such as sterilization or chemical contraception of the deer due to remain on site at Michel-Chartrand Park), the City of Longueuil’s plan condemns these animals and their offspring to repeated lethal interventions as the population increases over the years. Because of the sentient nature of deer, population control methods that keep animals alive should be prioritized, and lethal measures should only be considered as a last resort.

“Our relationship to animals has evolved considerably in recent years,” said Sophie Gaillard. “Resorting by default to killing wild animals, simply because they are considered “nuisances”, is no longer considered socially acceptable today, particularly given that when we look at what is being done elsewhere, we see that responsible, ethical and innovative wildlife management that is science-based and supported by expert opinion, is indeed possible. It is crucial for Quebec to develop expertise in this type of approach.”

The Montreal SPCA is represented in this case by Marie-Claude St-Amant, a partner at Melançon Marceau Grenier Cohen, LLP, who also chairs the SPCA’s board of directors.

The trial on the merits will be heard by the Superior Court in Longueuil on April 24, 25 and 26.

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Source : Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Jeanne Beauchamp, chargée de comptes relations publiques, tök communicatons, 514-535-0326 | extension 201, jeanne@tokcommunications.ca

About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now better known as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since its beginnings and is today the largest animal-protection organization in Québec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.

Three unique ways to help prevent animal cruelty

Montréal, November 22, 2022 – For the holiday season, the Montreal SPCA is calling on the generosity of Quebecers. As the SPCA is an non-profit organization operating almost entirely through public donations, its team invites the population to support the cause of animal welfare during this charitable season by giving in three unique ways.

For all media requests – CLICK HERE

“Our mission would not be possible without the contributions we receive from our donors. Every dollar is carefully invested to protect animals from neglect, abuse and exploitation, to represent their interests and to ensure their well-being,” says Laurence Massé, Acting Assistant Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA.

Donations Doubled!

Thanks to the Bryant-Mapes Fund, launched by Floranna Bryant and Dorothy Mapes, from November 24 to December 31, all donations given to the Montreal SPCA will be generously doubled. This project makes the holiday season the ideal time to give in the name of a loved one who is a strong animal advocate as a gift, for example.

To donate to the Montreal SPCA – CLICK HERE

News of Former Residents in 2023

The Montreal SPCA is back with a very special 2023 calendar. It features some of the (very) cute former residents of the shelter. Every month of the coming year, Quebecers will be able to warm their hearts by learning about the story of different animals that were rescued by the Montreal-based shelter and then adopted by good Samaritans.

To buy a calendar – CLICK HERE

Québec Clothing to Keep Families Together

For fans of the creations of the Québec company Poches et Fils, it is possible to purchase t-shirts specifically created to support the petition launched by the Montreal SPCA in April 2022, aiming to abolish the clauses banning animals in residential leases. In addition to wearing or offering a stylish and comfortable piece of clothing, the public will also be able to contribute to the Montreal SPCA’s effort to “Keep Families Together”. For every pocket sold, 25% of the profits will be donated to the organization.

To buy a pocket – CLICK HERE

“On behalf of all furry, feathered and scaly animals, thank you for your help!” states Laurence Massé.

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Source : Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Jeanne Beauchamp, chargée de comptes relations publiques, tök communicatons, 514-535-0326 | extension 201, jeanne@tokcommunications.ca

About the Montréal SPCA
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now better known as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since its beginnings and is today the largest animal-protection organization in Québec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.

Press release – For immediate release

Montréal, October 25 2022 – This afternoon, the Court of Appeal rendered its decision on the application for leave to appeal in the Michel-Chartrand Park deer case.   

After an initial setback before the Superior Court, which refused to order the suspension of the deer cull planned this fall by the City of Longueuil, the Montreal SPCA, which is acting as an intervener in the case, quickly filed an application for leave to appeal, considering that the Superior Court had made several errors in its analysis. The application for permission to appeal was heard on October 19 by the Quebec Court of Appeal. 

In his decision, the Honourable Justice Stephen W. Hamilton of the Quebec Court of Appeal recognized “that the situation is exceptional and that it is in the best interests of justice that leave to appeal be granted” (SPCA translation). The appeal will be heard on November 25th, 2022 at 9:30am in room Pierre-Basile-Mignault of the Court of Appeal in Montreal. 

“Our relationship to animals has evolved considerably in recent years,” said Sophie Gaillard, Acting Executive Director and Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montreal SPCA. “Resorting by default to killing wild animals, simply because they are considered “nuisances”, is no longer considered socially acceptable today, particularly given that when we look at what is being done elsewhere, we see that responsible, ethical and innovative wildlife management that is science-based and supported by expert opinion, is indeed possible. It is crucial for Quebec to develop expertise in this type of approach.” 

The Montreal SPCA is represented in this case by Marie-Claude St-Amant, a partner at Melançon Marceau Grenier Cohen, LLP, who also chairs the SPCA’s board of directors.  

*SPCA translation 

 For additional information in the lawsuit, visit: 

• The SPCA will appeal the decision
• Small Victory for Deer in Michel-Chartrand Park: The Superior Court Prohibits the City of Longueuil From Proceeding With a Cull Until the Application Is Heard 
• Despite Its Undertakings, the City of Longueuil Intends To Move Forward With a Lethal Operation 
• Longueuil Deer Cull Suspended 

• Legal Challenge to Longueuil Deer Cull: The Montreal SPCA Seeks to Intervene in the Case 
• Longueuil Deer: What If There Were a Better Approach? 

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montreal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montreal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Press release – For immediate release

Montréal, October 5 2022 – Yesterday, the Superior Court rendered its decision on the Safeguard Order in the Michel-Chartrand Park deer case. After hearing arguments from all parties, including the Montreal SPCA, which is acting as an intervener in the case, on September 28, the Court refused to order the suspension of the deer cull planned this fall by the City of Longueuil.

In his decision, the Honourable Judge Andres C. Garin stated that by granting animals the status of “sentient beings”, Quebec law recognizes that they have “an intrinsic value that is not exclusively dependent on their usefulness to human beings”*. The Court also considered that the death of the deer constitutes “irreparable harm” to the plaintiffs, who “clearly have a real interest in the fate of the herd at Michel-Chartrand Park”* and who are entitled to act in the public interest in bringing the matter before the courts. However, the judge concluded that the inconveniences that the City of Longueuil would suffer if the cull were suspended outweighed the inconveniences that the plaintiffs would suffer if it were maintained, even though this would effectively put an end to their case.

The SPCA believes that the Superior Court made several errors in its analysis and will soon file an application for leave to appeal to the Quebec Court of Appeal to have this decision reviewed.

“Despite this first setback before the Superior Court, the Montreal SPCA is not ready to give up on this case,” insists Sophie Gaillard, Acting Executive Director and Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montreal SPCA. “The case of the deer in Michel-Chartrand Park is emblematic of an issue that is becoming more prevalent in Quebec, and our intervention aims to broaden the debate and trigger a real reflection on the responsible and ethical management of wildlife in our communities.”

The Montreal SPCA is represented in this case by Marie-Claude St-Amant, a partner at Melançon Marceau Grenier Cohen, LLP, who also chairs the SPCA’s board of directors. 

*SPCA translation

For additional information in the lawsuit, visit:

• Small Victory for Deer in Michel-Chartrand Park: The Superior Court Prohibits the City of Longueuil From Proceeding With a Cull Until the Application Is Heard
• Despite Its Undertakings, the City of Longueuil Intends To Move Forward With a Lethal Operation
• Longueuil Deer Cull Suspended
• Legal Challenge to Longueuil Deer Cull: The Montreal SPCA Seeks to Intervene in the Case
• Longueuil Deer: What If There Were a Better Approach?

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montreal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montreal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Press release – For immediate release

Thanks to the Montreal SPCA’s Fido Takes the Metro campaign, starting October 15, the STM will allow leashed dogs in the metro.

Montréal, September 21, 2022 — Today, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is announcing a pilot project that will allow people to take their dogs on leash in the metro. The project, which will begin October 15 and run for nine months, was developed in response to the Montreal SPCA’s Fido Takes the Metro campaign, which was launched last year. As part of the campaign, close to 18,000 people joined the SPCA in urging Mayor Valérie Plante and STM Board Chair Eric Alan Caldwell to allow leashed dogs on Montreal’s public transportation system.

“All the SPCA’s hard work—in addition to that of all the Montrealers who supported our efforts—has paid off,” says Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montreal SPCA, as well as the organization’s interim Executive Director. “In a few weeks, Montreal will join the long list of large cities, such as Paris, London, Berlin, Barcelona, Calgary and Toronto, where dogs on leash are welcome on public transportation,” she says.

People accompanied by their dogs will have to abide by the following guidelines:

• Travel is limited to off-peak hours from Monday to Friday (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m.) as well as on weekends and holidays. Dogs will not be allowed when major events occur (details on the STM website)
• Dogs are required to wear a muzzle throughout the trip, from the moment they enter the metro station
• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times (maximum length of 1.25 m)
• Any “mess” that the animal might make must be picked up
• Dogs are not allowed on seats or benches
• No more than one dog may accompany each person

The STM also strongly recommends avoiding the front car of the train, which is the preferred car for schools, daycare centres, people with functional limitations and bicycles. The use of escalators is also discouraged, as they can cause injury to dogs. You will still be able to travel on the STM network with your animal companion in a carrier or a bag intended for this use, according to the existing terms and conditions. 

No special ticket will be required; dogs will travel free of charge. The pilot project will be limited to the metro for the time being. Leashed dogs will therefore not be allowed on buses.

For those who wish to travel with their dogs, the STM will post tips on its website that were developed in collaboration with the Montreal SPCA. You can find this information, as well as additional tools, on the SPCA website. Included is a video on how to train a dog to get comfortable wearing a muzzle.

“We’re thrilled that, starting October 15, access to large parks and green spaces, as well as veterinary care, will be made easier for Montreal dogs,” adds Gaillard. “The pilot project announced today also falls under the collective efforts required to fight climate change. At a time when we are encouraging the use of public transportation more than ever, it needs to be modernized and accommodate everyone, including those with dogs,” she concludes.

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montreal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montréal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Four Parties Commit To Banning Fur Farms in Quebec

Press release – For immediate release

Montréal, September 16, 2022 – During the first-ever provincial electoral debate on animal protection presented by the Montreal SPCA last Wednesday evening, the four participating parties – the Parti conservateur du Québec, the Quebec Liberal Party, the Parti Québécois and Québec solidaire –  committed to ban the farming of foxes and minks for their fur in Quebec[1]. While a majority of Quebecers already support a ban, this is the first time that provincial political parties have taken a formal position on this issue.

The parties’ commitment to ban fur farms follows last week’s release of shocking images taken on Quebec fox and mink farms. The images, obtained by the photojournalism agency We Animals Media and released by the Canadian animal law organization Animal Justice, reveal the deplorable conditions in which animals are raised for fur production. Indeed, the images show foxes confined in small cages with wire floors, as well as minks raised in filthy, intensive conditions.

These images were submitted to veterinarian Dr. Marion Desmarchelier, who is an associate professor of animal behaviour medicine in the department of clinical sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal, and a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, the European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. “My analysis is conclusive: the conditions in which minks and foxes are currently kept for fur production are incompatible with minimum acceptable animal welfare,” says Dr. Desmarchelier in her report (available in French only). “It is unacceptable to me that in 2022, Quebec continues to condone the infliction of such physical and psychological suffering on wild animals, even though they are recognized by law and by science as sentient beings,” she adds.

A particularly brutal industry for animals

Foxes and minks are curious, intelligent, and active animals with complex behavioral needs unique to their species. On fur farms, foxes, who in the wild roam territories of several square kilometers and dig complex dens, are confined to wire-floored cages measuring roughly one square meter. Minks, who are solitary, semi-aquatic animals, are crammed by the hundreds into cages stacked on top of each other inside sheds without access to water for swimming.

Such living conditions deprive animals of the opportunity to express their most basic natural behaviours, such as hunting, running, climbing, digging, swimming, and exploring. They cause chronic stress, in addition to the constant state of fear caused by the impossibility of escaping from human presence. The high frequency of abnormal behaviours, such as self-mutilation, cannibalism, and stereotypies (repetitive behaviors performed without apparent purpose), in animals raised for their fur is indicative of their psychological distress.

The killing methods used, chosen primarily in order to avoid damaging pelts, are also highly problematic. Foxes are typically killed by electrocution, by passing an electric current between two electrodes, one placed in the mouth and the other in the rectum of the animal. Minks are asphyxiated with CO2, a method known to be highly aversive to this species. These are not outdated or delinquent practices, but rather standard industry practices, which are even codified in the guidelines developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council.

Fur farms no longer belong in Quebec

The fur industry, and particularly fur farming, is currently in decline worldwide. Quebec is no exception: while in 1982 there were 226 fur farms in Quebec, today, in 2022, there are only three, one raising foxes and two raising minks^[2].

The social acceptability of fur production is plummeting, leading more and more major brands to drop its use in their collections. And according to recent data, nearly three-quarters of Canadians support a federal ban on fur farms^[3]. The majority of Quebecers want to see fur farms closed in Quebec^[4].

More than 15 countries around the world have already banned fur farms, including most recently France, Italy and Ireland. In Canada, British Columbia became the first province to ban mink farming in 2021, a decision prompted by COVID-19 outbreaks on farms.

In 2015, the Quebec government amended the Civil Code to recognize that “animals are not things” but rather “sentient beings”. Quebec law also recognizes that we, as a society, have a collective responsibility to ensure their welfare.

“A ban on fur farming would be the logical next step in a series of animal protection reforms that have taken place in Quebec in recent years,” explains Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs and Interim Executive Director at the Montreal SPCA. “With the October 3rd provincial elections approaching, we need to mobilize to ensure that the next government puts an end to this industry once and for all,” she insists.

A public pressure campaign

Following the publication, on September 8, of shocking images taken on Quebec fox and mink farms, the Montreal SPCA called on political parties to put an end to this industry and launched a campaign to that effect. Since then, more than 2,400 Quebecers have joined the SPCA to speak out against the suffering inflicted on animals raised for their fur.

[1] All provincial parties recognized by the Chief Electoral Officer with an MNA elected to the most recent legislature were invited to participate in the debate.

^[2] Statistique Canada, Bilan des visons et renards dans les fermes d’élevage et nombre de fermes (Tableau 32-10-0116-01) (2021), en ligne : https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/fr/tv.action?pid=3210011601; Statistique Canada, Certaines types de bétail et volailles, données chronologiques du Recensement de l’agriculture (Tableau 32-10-0155-01) (2022), en ligne : https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=3210015501.

^[3] https://thefurbearers.com/blog/3-4-of-canadians-support-a-ban-on-fur-farming/.

^[4] Sondage en ligne effectué par Léger Marketing pour le compte de TACT auprès de 1015 Québécois.es du 6 au 9 mai 2022.

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montreal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montréal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Shocking Images of Quebec Fur Farms Prompt the Montreal SPCA To Call on Parties for a Ban

Press release – For immediate release

Montréal, September 8, 2022 – 

Earlier this morning, Canadian animal law organization Animal Justice released images of Quebec fur farms taken last month by the photojournalism agency We Animals Media. In response to these images, which reveal the deplorable conditions in which foxes and minks are raised for fur production, the Montreal SPCA is calling for a ban on fur farms and is launching a campaign to that effect today. With the October 3rd provincial elections approaching, and given a majority of Quebecers oppose this industry, the SPCA invites the public to exert pressure on political parties to put an end to this dying industry.

“The heartbreaking images released this morning illustrate the suffering of hundreds, if not thousands, of animals who continue to be raised for their fur in Quebec,” said Me Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs and Interim Executive Director at the Montreal SPCA. Indeed, the images show foxes confined in small cages with wire floors, as well as minks raised in filthy, intensive conditions.

A particularly brutal industry for animals
   
Foxes and minks are curious, intelligent, and active animals with complex behavioral needs unique to their species. On fur farms, foxes, who in the wild roam territories of several square kilometers and dig complex dens, are confined to wire-floored cages measuring roughly one square meter. Minks, who are solitary, semi-aquatic animals, are crammed by the hundreds into cages stacked on top of each other inside sheds without access to water for swimming.

Such living conditions deprive animals of the opportunity to express their most basic natural behaviours, such as hunting, running, climbing, digging, swimming, and exploring. They cause chronic stress, in addition to the constant state of fear caused by the impossibility of escaping from human presence. The high frequency of abnormal behaviours, such as self-mutilation, cannibalism, and stereotypies (repetitive behaviors performed without apparent purpose), in animals raised for their fur is indicative of their psychological distress.  

The killing methods used, chosen primarily in order to avoid damaging pelts, are also highly problematic. Foxes are typically killed by electrocution, by passing an electric current between two electrodes, one placed in the mouth and the other in the rectum of the animal. Minks are asphyxiated with CO2, a method known to be highly aversive to this species. These are not outdated or delinquent practices, but rather standard industry practices, which are even codified in the guidelines developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council.

Fur farms no longer belong in Quebec

The fur industry, and particularly fur farming, is currently in decline worldwide. Quebec is no exception: while in 1982 there were 226 fur farms in Quebec, today, in 2022, there are only three, one raising foxes and two raising minks[1].

The social acceptability of fur production is plummeting, leading more and more major brands to drop its use in their collections. And according to recent data, nearly three-quarters of Canadians support a federal ban on fur farms^[2]. The majority of Quebecers want to see fur farms closed in Quebec^[3].

More than 15 countries around the world have already banned fur farms, including most recently France, Italy and Ireland. In Canada, British Columbia became the first province to ban mink farming in 2021, a decision prompted by COVID-19 outbreaks on farms.

In 2015, the Quebec government amended the Civil Code to recognize that “animals are not things” but rather “sentient beings”. Quebec law also recognizes that we, as a society, have a collective responsibility to ensure their welfare.

“A ban on fur farming would be the logical next step in a series of animal protection reforms that have taken place in Quebec in recent years,” explains Me Gaillard. “It is simply no longer acceptable today, in 2022, to continue to inflict such suffering on sentient beings for the sole purpose of producing a luxury textile, which is absolutely unnecessary,” she insists.

Calling on political parties to take a stand

As part of the provincial election campaign, the Montreal SPCA is inviting the public to sign a letter condemning the suffering inflicted on animals raised for their fur. The letter, addressed to riding candidates as well as to the main political parties, demands a fur farming ban in Quebec.

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montreal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montréal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Press release – for immediate release 

Montréal, September 6, 2022 – As part of the provincial election campaign, the Montreal SPCA, Quebec’s leading animal advocacy group, is asking the political parties to take a stand on three priority issues and is providing them with a forum to present their views on these matters at the first-ever provincial electoral debate on animal protection. The debate will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. and broadcast live on the Montreal SPCA’s Facebook page. A toolkit has also been put together for citizens who wish to use the election campaign as an opportunity to raise these issues with candidates in their riding and help promote provincial-level legislation and regulations that protect animals.

During this election period, the Montreal SPCA is asking the parties to commit to:

1. Guaranteeing fair access to housing for people living with animal companions. In June, a petition to this effect was submitted to the National Assembly and received support from over 33,000 citizens.
2. Enacting a ban on fur farms, a dying industry in Quebec, whose practices are inconsistent with animal welfare and whose social acceptability is declining.
3. Making it illegal to keep dogs tethered. It is still legal in Quebec to keep dogs tethered outside, almost permanently and for their entire life. However, over 35,000 Quebecers said they were against the permanent tethering of dogs on the Montreal SPCA website in the event of a 2015 campaign on the subject.  

“In 2022, Quebecers are calling for better animal protection, and this fall’s election provides an opportunity for the parties to make key commitments on these issues,” notes Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs and Acting Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA.

Animal protection is very much a concern for Quebec voters. According to a Léger poll conducted on behalf of the Montreal SPCA during the last provincial election campaign in 2018, 72% of voters felt that the parties should include animal welfare and animal protection among their campaign commitments.

“By providing a complete citizen’s kit, the SPCA also hopes to empower the public to actively contribute to the campaign and get involved in advancing animal welfare and protection in Quebec,” says Ms Gaillard.

The many Quebecers concerned with animal protection are invited to attend the first-ever provincial election debate on animal issues on Wednesday, September 14th at 7 p.m. live on the Montreal SPCA’s Facebook page. The different parties will have the opportunity to address these issues in a discussion moderated by journalist Vanessa Destiné.

Participants include:

• Claude Lefrançois
  (candidate for Québec solidaire in the riding of Laporte)
• Jonathan Marleau
  (candidate for the Quebec Liberal Party in the riding of Maurice-Richard)
• Sylvie Tanguay (candidate for the Parti Québécois in the riding of St-François)

“This historic provincial debate will allow voters to learn about each party’s position on animal-related issues,” said Sophie Gaillard. “With the law now recognizing animals as sentient beings and with more than one in two households in Quebec now living with a companion animal, these issues are undeniably significant to the election campaign.”

All provincial parties recognized by the Chief Electoral Officer with an MNA elected to the most recent legislature were invited to participate in the debate.

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montréal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montreal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.

Press release – for immediate release 

Montréal, August 24, 2022 – For a second consecutive year, older dogs at the Montreal SPCA can enjoy the support of The Grey Muzzle Organization, a non-profit dedicated to the welfare of senior dogs. 

As one of 78 animal welfare groups selected among 344 applicants, the Montreal SPCA received the funding to help senior dogs in Montréal. In total, Grey Muzzle granted over $705,000 to ensure the care and improve the lives of older dogs in communities across North America. 

Many dogs at the Montreal SPCA are already benefiting from Grey Muzzle’s support. This is the case for Ari, a 9-year-old who was admitted to the shelter following the passing of his guardian. During his stay, Ari received veterinary care, including neutering, dental cleaning, and removal of a mass above his eye. Another mass on his elbow could not be removed due to its size. An analysis revealed that it was a soft tissue sarcoma, a form of cancer. 

Due to his health condition, Ari was admitted to the Montreal SPCA’s Compassion program, which focuses on the care of animals at the end of their lives. As a result, Ari was placed in a permanent foster home and continues to receive care from our veterinary team in order to enjoy a good quality of life. The goal of the program is to place animals still able to enjoy life, despite their advanced age or incurable pathologies, in foster homes. There, they can happily live out their golden days, while our teams provide them with palliative care. Ari is currently living his best life with his loving foster family. 

“To care for senior animals, the Montreal SPCA’s Compassion Program requires ongoing material, human and financial resources. Once again this year, Grey Muzzle helps us provide senior dogs, like Ari, with the veterinary and dental care they need to live happily in their permanent foster homes. We are grateful for Grey Muzzle’s help,” said Jessica Nichol, Animal Welfare Program Manager at the Montreal SPCA. “Their invaluable support allows older dogs to have a beautiful end-of-life, which they fully deserve,” she added. 

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations, like the Montreal SPCA, make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s executive director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in Montréal are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of the Montreal SPCA.” Over the past 14 years, the non-profit Grey Muzzle Organization has granted more than $3.8M to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.” 

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Source : Montreal SPCA    

Media contact:  

• Anita Kapuscinska, Montréal SPCA, anitak@spca.com, 514-656-2760 
• Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director, The Grey Muzzle Organization, lisa@greymuzzle.org, 240-631-2894  

About the Montreal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.  

About The Grey Muzzle Organization – The national non-profit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide. For details, please visit greymuzzle.org.  

Press release – For immediate release

Montréal, August 8, 2022 – After five years at the helm of the Montreal SPCA, Élise Desaulniers has announced that she will be leaving her duties as Executive Director. Me Sophie Gaillard, who has served as the Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs for many years, will take over as the director by interim.  

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have led such a great organization,” says Desaulniers. “I have full confidence in my colleagues to take it from here! I intend to remain close to the SPCA.” The board of directors offers her its heartfelt thanks for her years of dedication and professionalism. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours. 

The progress that has been made under Desaulniers’ leadership has brought significant benefit to the animals. The average shelter stay is shorter (now 7 to 10 days for cats and dogs), and horse-drawn carriages have been eliminated from the streets of Montréal. Several progressive policies have also been put in place. Programs for animals requiring palliative care and orphaned kittens have been established, as have partnerships with organizations, such as Dans la rue and the Programme régional d’accueil et d’intégration des demandeurs d’asile (PRAIDA).

The Montreal SPCA will be able to count on the solid expertise of Me Sophie Gaillard to ensure the interim. She will be assisted by Laurence Massé, Director of Philanthropic Development and Communications. Working together, the two women will ensure smooth operations during the transition and continue to coordinate the work of the shelter’s teams to further the animal cause. “It is with pride and dedication that we will work with our teams to make the SPCA’s mission shine day in and day out,” emphasizes Gaillard. “Protecting animals against neglect, abuse and exploitation, representing their interests, and ensuring their well-being is work that truly brings us together.”

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Source: Montreal SPCA

Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Senior Consultant, Corporate Development and Media Relations, Montréal SPCA, 514-656-2760, anitak@spca.com.

About the Montréal SPCA – Founded in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montréal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. Today, the Montreal SPCA is the largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect.