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A Token Win for Animal Welfare

Recently, the provincial government announced they are proposing updates for animal welfare in Ontario. Benignly named the PUPS Act (Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales), the legislation takes aim at puppy mills and other irresponsible breeding operations, introducing steep financial penalties and regulations around conditions for selling or transferring a dog and record-keeping.

On the surface, the legislation is a step in the right direction, but there are factors that sour the announcement.

The bill would ban the breeding of female dogs who are less than a year old, ban separating puppies less than eight weeks old from their mother, require dogs with contagious diseases to be isolated, and require dogs to be kept in a clean environment. However that is as far as the protections go.

The PUPS Act does not set standards for housing, food, enrichment, veterinary care or screening to limit genetic problems that affect the welfare of the puppies. The act also does not limit how long puppies can be caged or the number of dogs who can be kept at a facility.

The act also does not require dog breeders to be licensed. The oversight makes it impossible to know who is breeding dogs and where they are operating, and is likely to cause serious issues in enforcing the legislation.*

It’s unclear who the provincial government consulted with to draft the new legislation — and whether advocates for animal welfare had input. The government didn’t reach out to the OHS and its partners, driving concerns whether this new legislation can make a meaningful impact for the animals.

Finally, the existing PAWS Act has shown to be ineffective with a history of snail-like and shoulder-shrugging responses to reports of animal cruelty and neglect. More effort is needed to bolster Ontario’s existing legislation, calling into question if the new PUPS Act will be properly enforced.

At the very least, the PUPS Act shows that leaders are considering animal welfare rather than ignoring it altogether. It shows that people who care are being heard and that you are making a difference for the animals.

It will take a lot of work for the PUPS Act to be more than a token. You can help make it happen by writing to your MPP and letting them know that the PUPS Act will need support and attention to truly curb irresponsible breeding in Ontario.

*Information sourced from Animal Justice.

Stopping the Ivory Trade and Checking Up on Promises for the Animals

Last month, the federal government announced that the trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horns will be restricted in Canada by Jan. 8, 2024, almost entirely prohibiting the import and export of the items from Canada.

The ban is a win for the animals and shows Canada’s commitment to updating import/export laws to support conservation efforts and protect animals. 

The ban is a part of the Liberal party's 2021 election promises for animal welfare. 

Their other promises included:

• Introducing legislation to end cosmetic testing on animals — the ban was announced this summer with a roll out in December.
• Introducing legislation to protect animals in captivity — last month, a new bill was announced to prohibit new ownership of elephants and great apes.
• Banning the live export of horses for slaughter — in September, the federal government backed a bill to ban the cruel practice.
• Helping women and children fleeing violence stay united with their companion animals — the federal government is supporting Humane Canada's ACT (Awareness, Collaboration, Tools) Project, to support women with animals experiencing gender-based violence.

2023 has seen a number of steps forward, but effort alone is not enough to protect animals. The continued support and pressure from people who care is essential to solidify these improvements and make a difference for the animals.

Leaders are listening, and now is not the time to rest. Reach out to your MP and show your support for the progress made so far, and demand that Canada sees these important updates to completion.

Homeless Animals like Maurice Need YOU

It's getting colder and more animals arrive at the OHS every day, in desperate need of care and shelter. Your generosity today will give these helpless creatures a brighter future.

You will give animals like Maurice a second chance. This tiny, three-year-old Chihuahua, came to the OHS crying in terrible pain with both front legs broken. Thankfully, Maurice has compassionate friends like you. He is receiving the much-needed life-saving care and support he so desperately needs.

Will you help another animal like Maurice?

With a few clicks, you will provide life-saving care in a warm, safe place for a furry friend. Please give a gift today to ensure that homeless and vulnerable animals like Maurice receive the medical treatment, love and compassion they desperately need.

Hidden Consequences of Rising Population

Winter is usually known as the “slow” season at the OHS. Compared to the rapid pace of the summer, animal intake is often lighter, but this year the community’s need has remained high. From families who are no longer able to care for their pet, to strays who have nowhere else to go, to transfers from partners in need. The OHS team's pace remains high as it struggles to care for an influx of animals in desperate need of care.

In addition to the steady stream of animals the OHS admits for shelter and care, the OHS has also seen several surges of pets:

• In October, more than 90 cats were admitted in the span of a few days.
• More than 40 birds were admitted to the OHS in the same month.
• The OHS received a transfer of 17 cats from a partner organization in need.
• In December, more than 40 cats were admitted to the OHS in a single day.

In early December, the OHS on average received more than 30 calls daily from owners considering surrendering their pets. Other communities whose shelters are overcapacity are referring clients to the OHS. 

The increased pressure not only places strain on the OHS’s resources, but also has consequences for some of the OHS’s long-stay animals. Most years, animals who are older, have special needs or have just been having troubles finding a forever home enjoy greater visibility during the winter when fewer pets are available for adoption.

Animals like Link, who has been at the OHS for more than nine months, are now likely to have a harder time finding their perfect forever home for the holidays. Adopting animals like Link and sharing resources the OHS offers to help keep families together are two ways you can help pets and families in need.

The Growing Needs of Ottawa's Pet Owners

In March 2023, the OHS launched its first-ever wellness clinic — providing preventive veterinary care for pets whose families typically wouldn't be able to access veterinary services. Its most recent wellness clinic happened on Dec. 6.

Wellness clinics, food banks and subsidized spay/neuter services are some of the community services the OHS offers to help keep pets and their families together. Demand for the services is increasing.

The increased demand matches concerns from the community in the OHS's recent community engagement survey where the affordability of caring for a pet was overwhelmingly identified as the greatest issue facing Ottawa's pets and their people.

Providing more support to keep pets with their families and help at both ends of the leash is essential to improving animal welfare. It's only with the help of a caring community that Ottawa's pets and their people can receive the support they need.

You're already standing up for the animals by reading this newsletter. A donation, volunteering, adopting or helping to raise awareness for the needs of Ottawa's animals are all ways you can help build a more humane and compassionate community.

Thank You for Supporting Ottawa's Animals!

PAW donors like you make it possible for vulnerable animals like Pixie to receive the loving care and medical treatment that they deserve and so desperately need.

Pixie, a sweet one-year-old German shepherd, was rushed to the OHS after being hit by a car. She had a fractured left hind leg and a collapsed lung.

Because of you, Pixie received the emergency care she needed. OHS veterinarians mended her leg and removed the excess air from her chest. Pixie still has a long road to recovery. However, thanks to generous donors like you, she has a safe place to receive life-saving treatment. She is now searching her forever home, and you made it all possible!

Thank you for being a compassionate supporter of Ottawa's animals like Pixie!

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.