Press release–For immediate release
Montreal SPCA to Launch New 24/7 Animal Cruelty Hotline
This announcement follows the laying of two neglect charges in relation to Linus the dog
Montréal, November 25, 2025 – In response to a steady increase in reports of animal abuse and cruelty across the province, the Montreal SPCA is announcing a new hotline that will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone in Quebec who witnesses acts of animal cruelty or abuse can now anonymously report them by calling 1-855-711-7575. The hotline will facilitate the Montreal SPCA Investigations Division’s response to reports, thus helping it fulfil its mission to protect animals from neglect, cruelty and exploitation throughout the province.
Uptick in reports of animal cruelty in Quebec
In 2024 alone, the Montreal SPCA handled 9,230 reports of abuse or cruelty. This is an increase of 15% over 2023, or approximately 25 more calls every day. Even more worrisome, the SPCA was authorized to seize 179 animals in 2024, up from 57 cases the previous year.
To meet this ever-growing demand, a team of special constables named by the Ministère de la Sécurité publique works daily to fight neglect and cruelty toward animals.
“Since starting at the Montreal SPCA in 2023, I have seen just how widespread the needs are,” explained Alain Tessier, director of the Montreal SPCA Investigations Division and former police detective lieutenant. “We really must expand our services beyond greater Montréal.”
The Investigations Division has the authority to enforce Criminal Code provisions dealing with animal cruelty and severe neglect anywhere in the province, as well as to enforce the Animal Welfare and Safety Act and the Regulation Respecting the Welfare and Safety of Domestic Companion Animals and Equines in 107 municipalities in Montréal , Laval and the Laurentians and Montérégie regions.
Linus, a recent investigation that led to charges
On March 23, the Montreal SPCA rescued Linus, an extremely emaciated dog whose story touched hearts across the province. After several weeks of investigation and the laying of charges by the Quebec directorate of criminal and penal prosecutions (DPCP ), two suspects appeared in court on September 15, 2025. Each suspect faces two charges:
- Wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal;
- Being the owner or the person having the custody or control of a domestic animal, abandons it in distress or wilfully neglects or fails to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care for it.
The suspects pleaded not guilty and were released with a prohibition on having weapons and animals in their possession. They will have to appear in court on December 15 to learn the date of their trial. They each face up to five years in prison.
The Montreal SPCA hopes that justice will be served for Linus and encourages all Quebec residents to report any animal cruelty or neglect they witness by calling 1-855-711-7575.
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Source : Montreal SPCA www.spca.com/en/
Media information:
Tök communications 514 247-0526
Marie-Hélène Avon, mariehelene@tokcommunications.ca
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (better known as “Montreal SPCA”) was the first animal welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since: it is now the largest animal protection organization in Quebec and speaks on behalf of animals wherever they face ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.
