Press release — for immediate release
The Montreal SPCA Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Animal Cruelty
A necessary shift to address urgent needs
Montréal, May 14, 2025 – Did you know the Montreal SPCA is much more than a shelter? It is also home to a team of special constables accredited by the Ministère de la Sécurité publique, working every day to fight neglect and cruelty toward animals. Led by former police lieutenant-detective Alain Tessier, the Montreal SPCA’s Investigations Division operates far beyond the city: its animal protection officers have the authority to enforce Criminal Code provisions related to cruelty and severe neglect of animals across Quebec. Until recently, however, the organization had to limit its operations outside the island due to lack of resources. In response to growing needs, the Montreal SPCA is now allocating more resources to its Investigations Division to cover a wider territory.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals returns to its original mission
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Montreal SPCA was the first Canadian organization dedicated to animal welfare. Initially focused on improving the living conditions of working horses, it has since significantly expanded its scope and diversified its areas of action. This transformation continues with the gradual transfer of animal services in several Montréal boroughs to a new provider, who will take over as of January 2026.
The arrival of this second top-tier animal services provider will be a welcome relief on the island of Montréal, where the need is urgent. This will allow the SPCA to dedicate more resources to its core mission: protecting animals from neglect, cruelty and exploitation while safeguarding their well-being and interests. Starting this fall, a 24/7 call centre will be launched to receive reports from across Quebec and assist both victims and witnesses.
The number of animals seized in 2024 doubled, compared to 2023
In 2024 alone, the Montreal SPCA responded to 9,230 calls reporting abuse or cruelty, which is 15% more than in 2023. That is an average of over 25 calls per day! Even more striking, the organization was authorized to seize 179 animals in 2024, up from 57 the previous year. Additionally, the territory covered by the Montreal SPCA’s Investigations Division expanded significantly last year. Beyond its cases in the city, new investigations were launched in the Capitale-Nationale, Mauricie, Eastern Townships, Outaouais, Abitibi, Laval, Lanaudière, Laurentians and Montérégie regions.
“There are more companion animals than ever, and today’s socio-economic climate is leaving many people in increasingly vulnerable situations. More often than not, animal suffering goes hand in hand with human suffering,” explains Laurence Massé, Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA. “Apart from enforcing the law, our special constables also work to raise awareness and provide information and resources before resorting to more drastic measures.”
Activities funded by public donations
The Investigations Division’s involvement in cases involving regulatory offences is supported by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). However, it’s public donations that enable the SPCA to fund its Investigations Division’s enforcement of the Criminal Code, which applies to the most serious cases of cruelty or neglect.
A call for witnesses reaches one million people
On March 23, the Montreal SPCA took in a dog who had been gravely neglected. Skin and bones, the dog was so weak he could not even lift his head. “For many of our veterinarians, it was the most extreme case of emaciation they’d ever seen,” said Ms. Massé. The story of this dog, named Linus, moved all of Quebec: the call for witnesses issued to shed light on the cause of his condition was seen by one million people, thanks to the power of community mobilization.
For several weeks, as the investigation progressed, the care team feared for Linus’s life. He has since become a symbol of the SPCA’s mission, now more than ever underscoring the organization’s vital role.
An investigation into the case was submitted for review on Thursday, May 8, to the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP), and the Montreal SPCA hopes justice will be served.
Investigations Division in 2024
9,230 inquiries treated
1,636 operational files opened
3,578 animals visited by our officers
179 seized animals
If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, report it here.
To support the Montreal SPCA, visit this page.
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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 (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since: it is now the largest animal welfare organization in Quebec and speaks on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.
