Advocating for the animals... read more

Silence That Kills

Photo credit: Canadian Horse Defense Coalition

In Canada, horses are still being shipped overseas for slaughter. Last month, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau responded to a petition signed by more than 36,000 caring people calling for the immediate end of this cruel practice.

Bibeau's response offers little hope for horses and indicates that the welfare of horses is a low priority in the decision-making process, citing the need to first consult with producers, people involved in transportation and supply chain, and industry representatives. 

During 2021's federal election, the Liberal party promised to end the live export of horses for slaughter and included the promise in a mandate letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food in December 2021.

The campaign promise is into its second year without action and with no indication of a plan or timeline to achieve its goal. Without the attention of people who care, Canada's ban to end the export of live horses will continue to languish or worse, never come to pass.

How You Saved Two Brothers

Every day a homeless and vulnerable animal needs your help. Please give a gift today to help an animal who needs you.

Xiaobao and Dabao are two inseparable brothers who came to the OHS after struggling to get along with other pets in their previous home. Both cats were fearful and hid in the back of their carrier. The brothers had a hard time adjusting to life in the shelter. To help them become more comfortable and less fearful, they were placed with a loving foster volunteer.

Thanks to caring people like you, these brothers started coming out of their shells. They began playing with and enjoying attention from their foster family — a huge step in the right direction. You ensure that animals in foster homes have all the food, toys and supplies they need to be happy and healthy, and receive medical and behaviour support to help them get ready for their forever home.

Heartbreaking and Inexcusable: An Orca's Legacy

Photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media

Last month, Kiska, the world's loneliest orca, died after 40 years in captivity.

Kiska's life at Marineland was a tragedy, heartbreaking and inexcusable. It's also a life shared by many animals in Canada who are exploited for profit.

Marineland is unique in being the only business in Canada to use cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) for entertainment, but animals of all shapes and sizes are used in Canada's entertainment industry to drive revenue.

There are still many animals in captivity at Marineland who are exploited to fuel tourism to the park, but a few recent stories show that change may be coming for the animals captive at Marineland.

Smooshi, a walrus with a similarly notorious history as Kiska, was recently transferred from Marineland to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates and Marineland is looking to sell the business. A change in ownership doesn't guarantee improvements for the animals at Marineland, but it does open the door for change.

As individuals, voting with your wallet is the best way to fight businesses that exploit animals for profit. Kiska's heartbreaking story shows there is still more to be done to protect animals from the entertainment industry and keep wild animals where they belong: in the wild. 

Removing Barriers for Pets in Need

The Ottawa Humane Society has eliminated fees for owners to surrender their pets.

The OHS charged surrender fees of $25 to $125, depending on the species, to cover a small portion of the animal's care in the shelter. With ongoing inflation impacting many already struggling pet owners, the OHS chose to remove the fee rather than increase it.

Removing the fee will reduce the number of animals abandoned outdoors and will bring more animals to the OHS before they develop severe medical or behavioural needs.

Surrendering an animal to the OHS is one of the most responsible decisions a pet owner can make if they are no longer able to care for their pet. Surrendering is also one of the hardest decisions a pet owner can make. Eliminating surrender fees may make things a little easier for pet owners who are going through rough times and ensure finances aren't a barrier between animals and getting the care they need.

The OHS offers programs and services to support pets and their families such as a pet food bank, accessible spay/neuter services, microchip clinics, dog training and behavioural consultations. The OHS helps keep families together whenever possible and is available when staying together is no longer an option.

Thank You for Supporting Ottawa's Animals!

Princess is grateful for you! As a PAW monthly donor you gave this sweet senior shih tzu the love and care she needed.

Princess came to the OHS in need of major dental surgery. Because of you, OHS veterinarians quickly treated her tartar, gingivitis and extraction needs to help her live a happy, pain-free life. Princess is now ready to find her new family, all thanks to your loving support.

Thank you for being a hero to animals like Princess every day of the year!

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under licence by the Ottawa Humane Society.

The Humane Canada Accreditation Program mark is a licenced mark of Humane Canada used under licence by the Ottawa Humane Society.