February 20, 2025
Voting Next Week? You Need to Read This
Just today, I was contacted by a supporter who asked me who they should vote for to do the most for animal welfare. At the OHS, we don’t stand for any one political party. We stand for the animals — enthusiastically supporting efforts to improve animal welfare and staunchly opposing attempts to harm animals, ignore or undermine the importance of their well-being. Throughout the years, we’ve seen successes and setbacks regardless of which party is in office.
Ontario is heading towards an election on Feb. 27 and the animals are relying on your support to keep their well-being top of mind with our provincial leaders. The plights impacting animals are deeply intertwined with the challenges Ontarians face today, from pet affordability to community safety and public health.
When we asked you what you were worried about last summer, you told us that you were worried the cost of caring for a pet may drive families apart. Pet owners and veterinary professionals are feeling the pressures of increasing costs and a growing pet population. The OHS is doing a lot to keep pets and people together — but we need government’s help to do more.
Domestic pets aren’t the only animals at risk. Ontario is the only province that allows the operation of train and trial hunting pens. These cruel operations capture wildlife to be used as bait for competitions and to train hunting dogs. The practice has no place in a humane and compassionate community.
Finally, there is still much work to be done to improve Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services and investigations into animal cruelty and neglect. By prioritizing strong animal welfare laws and funding enforcement, Ontario will protect vulnerable animals and create safer communities.
It takes many voices and the tireless efforts of people who care to ensure animal welfare remains a priority for our provincial leaders. The animals are counting on you to make sure they are represented in the upcoming election. These are some questions you can ask candidates to find out where they stand on animal welfare issues:
- Do you plan to improve the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act? If yes, how will you do it? If no, why not?
- Will you fight against cruel practices such as train and trial hunting pens and roadside zoos?
- What will you do to support more accessible veterinary care and affordable pet ownership throughout the province?
Often it is charities, buoyed with the support of a compassionate community, that rise to support people and animals when they are most vulnerable. This is especially true in times of economic or political turmoil. The OHS is here for our community — thanks to you.
Together, we can ensure that animal welfare is not overlooked in Ontario’s provincial agenda. Caring for animals includes supporting the people who love them.
P.S. Are you subscribed to our Animal Advocate newsletter? We’ll be sharing a poll in the newsletter next week asking what our community sees as the greatest needs for animal welfare. This feedback is essential as we work with community leaders to build a more humane and compassionate community for all.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO