Quebec

*Page can be accessed in French.

Key legislation

Population

Reporting

In the territory covered by the Montreal SPCA, call 514-735-2711 ext. 2230 or email enquetes@spca.com to report animal cruelty.

For all complaints outside of this territory, complaints can be made to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPAQ) by phone 1-844-ANIMAUX [1-844-264-6289] or email: centraledesignalement@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.

 

Investigations & Enforcement

The nonprofit charity Montreal SPCA is responsible for animal protection in the Island of Montreal, Laval, and part of Montérégie, Lanaudière and the Laurentians.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is responsible for animal protection in all other areas of Quebec.

Data

A table outlines the Montreal Animal Cruelty Statistics between 2014 and 2019.  Year: 2014. Number of new complaints investigated: 1217. Year: 2015. Number of new complaints investigated: 1339. Year: 2016. Unclear. Year: 2017: 1400. Number of convictions: 20. Year: 2018. Number of new complaints investigated: 1500. Number of convictions: 40. Year: 2019. Number of new complaints investigated: 1335. Number of convictions: 29.

Data supplied by the Montreal SPCA.

A small kitten.

Forensic Veterinarians

Dr. David Silversides is a forensic veterinarian at the University of Montreal in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine working with Labgenvet. This lab appears to focus on genetic testing, although forensic services may be offered on a case-by-case basis.

Quebec’s Animal Health Laboratory (LSA) provides tests to protect public and animal health.

On a case-by-case basis, the LSA provides laboratory testing at subsidized rates for animal owners.

Lawyers

Alexandra Thibaudeau – Quebec Crown

Crown prosecutor at the Montreal Municipal Court. 
Co-founded a project to create a team of dedicated animal prosecutors in Montreal and coordinates this initiative.
Has presented at the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty.

Sophie Gaillard – Lawyer and Director of Animal Advocacy, Montreal SPCA

Lawyer for the Montreal SPCA’s Animal Advocacy and Investigations departments.
Supervises the animal protection officers and provides them with legal guidance. 
Works with other prosecutors and law enforcement.

Frédérique Bouvier, Lawyer for the Investigations Division & for Animal Advocacy, Montreal SPCA

Works with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers providing them with legal guidance and has presented at the national animal welfare conference.

Human-Animal Wellbeing and Supports

The Quebec Friends of Disadvantaged Animals believe that economic status should not determine worthiness of pet ownership. This organization can pay for veterinary care, and provides food for homeless and low-income communities in need.

La Dauphine

La Dauphine is a human shelter specifically geared toward homeless youth that started allowing pets to stay at the shelter in 2016 with the understanding that supporting the human-animal bond is significant for recovery and future focus of these youth. Staff at the shelter also offer pet food, training tips, and spay and neuter clinics.  

In a joint effort between the municipal and provincial government and local organizations, a floor of the Old Royal Victoria Hospital was converted to a shelter space that allows pets in 2019.