Montreal, September 7, 2016 — In light of an impending municipal bylaw targeting specific types of dogs, the Montreal SPCA met with its partners from the twelve boroughs and municipalities it serves on the Island of Montreal at noon today. The SPCA regretfully informed them of its intention to eliminate dogs from its animal services contracts, a decision that would come into effect in early 2017. The boroughs could continue to work with the SPCA for the management of all other animals (cats, wildlife, and exotic animals) and for other services it provides (the trap-neuter-release-and-maintain program for feral cats and the sterilization clinic targeting low-income families), which represent more than 85% of the activities currently conducted with these partners.
- To view the letter sent to boroughs click here (French only): https://www.spca.com/wordpspca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3.-Lettre-type.arrondissements..pdf.
Each year, the Montreal SPCA receives over 2,000 abandoned, stray, or seized dogs, a certain proportion of which are euthanized due to medical conditions or behavioural problems. “If it had been in effect this year, the bylaw would have made it impossible to find adoptive homes for between 300 and 700 perfectly healthy, behaviourally sound dogs. As we know, animals that cannot be adopted must too often be euthanized,” explains Dr. Gabrielle Carrière, Head Veterinarian at the Montreal SPCA.
With the imminent adoption of a new animal control bylaw in Montreal, the SPCA had no other choice but to meet with its partners. The organization is aware of the impacts of the proposed changes on the services it provides and wishes to act with transparency.
“Like any organization, we need to act in a way that respects our fundamental values. Contributing to a system that would ultimately result in the euthanasia of healthy animals that do not pose any danger is a step that the Montreal SPCA cannot take,” says Benoit Tremblay, Executive Director.
“We hope that the proposed animal control bylaw will not be adopted on September 26th and that we will not have to alter the contracts we currently have with boroughs. We will pursue our efforts with Montreal’s elected officials and repeat our assertion that public safety is fully compatible with animal welfare. The Montreal SPCA has always acted with this in mind and intends to continue to promote this principle,” adds Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy.
In recent months, the Montreal SPCA has shared its experience and outlined best practices for bite prevention and the management of dangerous dogs. The organization proposes the following:
- More rigorous enforcement of existing bylaws
- Strict penalties for owners who fail to comply
- Clear procedures for reporting dog bites, designating dogs as “dangerous”, and seizing animals
- Education and prevention measures, including the development of community programs
- Adoption of new municipal bylaws focusing on bite prevention and responsible animal ownership
- To see the Montreal SPCA’s proposed solutions to the issue of dangerous dogs: www.saferkindercommunities.com.
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, the SPCA is the leading organization for animal welfare in Canada. Its mission is to:
- protect animals against neglect, abuse and exploitation;
- represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
- raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.
For more information about the Montreal SPCA: www.spca.com.
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Information
Frédérick Truchon-Gagnon
514-843-2349
ftruchon-gagnon@national.ca
