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SPCA threatens to end dog-control services over pit bull ban, the decision 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.
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.
Agencies/Canadajournal
