Advocating for the animals... read more

Homeless Animals Like Baguette Need YOU Now

Every day, homeless and vulnerable animals like Baguette need your help. Your gift today will ensure animals receive the care and attention they so desperately deserve.

Baguette came to the OHS after being found lost and alone. He was in urgent need of care. His nails had grown uncomfortably long and were painfully embedded in his paws. His front legs were also obviously malformed. OHS veterinarians trimmed his nails to provide him relief and X-rayed his legs to check for any issues that might have caused the issue. The X-rays revealed that his legs were likely that way since birth. Baguette received a neuter surgery and dental treatment before starting the search for his forever home.

Thanks to compassionate people like you, Baguette had somewhere safe to go to receive the care he so desperately needed. Best of all, Baguette found a loving forever home. 

Will you give animals like Baguette a second chance at life?

Ontario's Blood Sport 

Canada has recently made steps forwards with its protections for animals, but Ontario is poised to take a step backwards. The province is looking to reverse a more than 20-year ban on outdoor dog hunting pens — expanding a cruel and dangerous sport that harms the dogs and wildlife involved.

Wildlife such as coyotes, foxes and rabbits are captured and trapped in the hunting pens. There they become prey for training hunting dogs, and are used as centrepieces for violent competitions.

If the idea of hunting a trapped animal for sport didn't seem savage enough, the cruelty also extends to the transportation and housing of the prey animals. A former enforcement supervisor recalls several wounded coyotes being stuffed into a dog crate and loaded into the back of truck to allegedly visit a veterinarian. An undercover officer also recounts discovering a barn packed with coyotes.

It is reported that the decision is a result of lobbying from hunter groups. Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources, claims the practice is safe for both the dogs and prey involved. A dubious claim given reports that both hunting dogs and wild animals suffer injury and death in the hunting pens.

Among the lobbyist groups pushing to reverse the ban is the Ontario Sporting Dog Association. Its president, John Bell, owns a large hunting pen and trains dogs to hunt coyotes. Under the proposed update, not only would new pens be allowed to open and operate, but existing pens would be allowed to sell or transfer their licenses.

The reversal of the ban threatens to erode the province's legislation for animal welfare. You can make a difference. Contact your MPP and let them know blood sports and cruelty have no place in Ontario.

Marineland's Cruel Crescendo

Last month, the Mayor of Niagara Falls, ON said that it is time for Marineland to move away from animals.

The mayor's statement comes with the death of a beluga whale and dolphin and charges related to the care of bear cubs kept at Marineland.

With Kiska's death, transfer of Smooshi the walrus and reports that the park is looking to sell, it seems like Marineland is entering a transition. The signs point towards the gradual end of animal captivity at Marineland, but the awful question is: How many more animals will die within the park's walls?

Wild animals belong in the wild. They have no place in the entertainment industry. The animals at Marineland deserve better than to slowly disappear in silence.

Don't contribute to animal cruelty. Don't visit Marineland, and tell others not to, as well. Reach out to your MPP and let them know that Marineland's captive animals need to be removed from the park before it is too late.

Dogs Die in Hot Cars

Every year, the OHS reminds the public of the dangers parked cars pose to pets and every year, dogs are still left in hot cars and are exposed to conditions that cause extreme suffering, brain damage and death. Why do people continue to risk their pet’s life?

The answer is simple — some believe it won't ever happen to them.

Dogs die in hot cars. Even if left alone for just a few minutes. Even if the window is cracked. Even if it doesn't seem to be that hot outside. The only way to protect your dog is to never leave him alone in a parked vehicle and to leave him safe at home whenever possible.

If you find a dog trapped in a hot car, call 911. The dog is danger and needs immediate help.

Thank You for Supporting Ottawa's Animals!

Thank you being a PAW monthly donor! You made Dakota’s second chance possible!

This five-year-old papillon came to the OHS with a bleeding eye, missing teeth, and a limp. Because of you, Dakota received the medical treatment and tender care she so desperately deserved. Now, this sweet pup is recovering comfortably in a foster home. Once Dakota has fully recovered, she will begin the search for her forever family.

Thank you for helping homeless and vulnerable animals like Dakota!

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.