MONTREAL—Humane Society International/Canada is calling on the Quebec government to properly enforce the law and protect animals from abuse. According to a report published by La Presse last week, authorities responsible for enforcing animal protection laws are failing to take action and turning a blind eye to animal suffering. Because the government has yet to renew contracts with Quebec SPAs/SPCAs to enforce the law, there are currently not enough animal welfare inspectors in the province to cover the entire territory.

Ewa Demianowicz, senior campaign manager for HSI/Canada, stated, “For years, animal welfare groups have demanded better enforcement of animal welfare laws because legislation that is not enforced is toothless. The Quebec government is simply failing to take action to spare animals from abuse.”

Take action: Tell Quebec to protect animals from abuse.

She added, “It is shocking that following multiple promises from elected officials to tackle the problem of puppy mills and animal abuse in Quebec, there is absolutely no concrete improvement on the ground for animals. The government’s lax approach to enforcement allows puppy mills to continue their business of animal cruelty–some even receiving permits issued by the government that allow them to operate with near impunity, as demonstrated in the evidence collected by La Presse. Unfortunately, these are not the only cases. It was revealed last year that a breeder in Saint-Honoré-de-Témiscouata had acquired a permit to operate despite having received over 20 warnings for non-compliance with animal welfare laws.”

HSI/Canada asks the Quebec government to follow through on their promises of improving animal welfare in Quebec and enforce the laws meant to protect animals. “If things don’t change, Quebec’s reputation as a haven for animal abusers will remain,” said Demianowicz.

Quebecers can contact their Member of the National Assembly today to demand proper enforcement of animal welfare laws in Quebec: click here. Donate here to help protect dogs and other animals from cruelty worldwide.

Media Contact: For interview requests, please call or email: Christopher Paré – office: 514 395-2914 x 206 / cell: 438 402-0643, email: cpare@hsi.org