Montreal SPCA Adopts Police-like Approach
Struggling Montreal SPCA Fights Animal Abandonment and Cruelty
A shocking rise in pet abandonment has pushed Montreal's SPCA to the brink, as they grapple with urgent reports of animal cruelty. This predicament comes to light with the heart-wrenching story of Linus, a visibly abused dog, whose case has rocked social media.
Imagery: Photos by Robert Skinner, our website
Key Facts:
- The number of deserted pets has spiked by 28% since the beginning of 2025, according to Montreal SPCA estimations.[1]
- A 24/7 animal cruelty reporting service will launch this autumn, enabling the public to report cases rather than calling 911.[2]
- In 2024, 179 animals were taken away for abuse or neglect by the Animal Protection Service, in comparison to 57 in 2023.
Preliminary data shows a consistent increase in domestic pet abandonment in the metropolitan area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers show that over 200,000 dogs and cats have been adopted during this period.[1] Inflation and housing crises appear to be contributing factors, as many owners are forced to abandon their pets.
During a visit by La Presse, Montreal SPCA staff were overwhelmed by phone calls, barely managing to answer questions.[2]
"Our shelter is bursting at the seams right now," declared Laurence Masse, the director of the protection service. Masse has been pleading for Montreal to establish its own shelter for over a decade, and her dream is expected to become a reality in 2026.[2] Some of the organization's animals will be accommodated by Proanima from January 2026, following an announcement made by Montreal in 2023.[2]
For Masse, the animal service will help her organization focus more on cruelty investigations.[2]
The spike in animal abuse cases is evident, with 179 animals seized in 2024 compared to 57 in 2023, reflecting a 214% rise. This number is projected to climb further as areas within the organization's walls are freed up due to Proanima's entrance into service.[2]
On a lighter note, in jest, Masse refers to her organization as "the animal police."
In response to the threat of losing cases within the shuffle when handled by 911, a 24/7 reporting center will launch later this year.[2]
Masse is optimistic that there is a shift among Quebecers, who are becoming more aware of animal cruelty.[2] A total of 9,230 witness calls reporting cruelty were registered by Montreal SPCA in 2024, a jump of 15% compared to the previous year.[2] This surge is due, in part, to the organization's expansion across more than half of Quebec's regions.[2]
Montreal and Estrie SPCA are the only two organizations with specialized constables mandated to seize abused animals. Masse bemoans the situation, urging more state funding, claiming that the organization's Investigation Bureau can only function on public donations to enforce animal welfare laws.[2]
"We rescued Linus, a particularly emaciated dog, on March 23."[3] The case was first reported by a couple who claimed to have found him by the roadside near a lake in Sainte-Agathe.
After the investigation, the organization asserts that Linus was likely a victim of neglect within the same family.[3] The call for witnesses launched by the SPCA two months ago went viral, receiving over a million views on social media.[3]
"Thanks to the testimonies of neighbors and people nearby, we were able to build a case," stressed Laurence Masse.[3] The investigation file was submitted last Thursday for study at the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions. Charges may be filed for animal neglect.[3]
"It's important to know that animal neglect and cruelty can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment," concluded Laurence Masse.[3]
Linus has gained weight and started walking again in the weeks following his arrival. At the end of our visit to the Montreal SPCA, he had joined his foster family.
[1] Preliminary data from the organization shows a 28% increase in domestic animal abandonment in the metropolitan area since the beginning of the year, a trend that has been consistent year after year since the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] More than 200,000 dogs and cats have been adopted during this period. Inflation and housing crises have led many owners to abandon their pets in the following years. And it continues.[3] Montreal SPCA's coordinator, Rodrigo Gomez, said the bulk of the $7 million budget would be used to buy the property, with the remainder going toward renovations and improvements.[4] Animal abandonment is not a new issue in Montreal. Historically, the SPCA has faced criticism for a lack of resources, especially in regards to investigations into cases of abuse and neglect.
The enrichment data above includes information about the Montreal SPCA's efforts to combat issues related to pet welfare, such as advocating against no-pet clauses in rental properties.
The enrichment data also reveals that the Montreal SPCA is expanding its reach across half of Quebec's regions, aiming to address the rise in animal neglect and cruelty cases.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, the continuous increase in pet abandonment and animal cruelty incidents might have a detrimental impact on individuals' lifestyle and emotional well-being, given the profound bond between humans and pets.
Interestingly, the Montreal SPCA is not solely concerned with animal welfare; it also works towards general-news reporting, launching a 24/7 animal cruelty reporting service to empower the public in addressing these critical issues.
Crime-and-justice-wise, the organization is aggressively fighting against animal neglect and cruelty, possessing the authority to seize abused animals and, in some cases, pressing charges against perpetrators, for the betterment of the society as a whole.
The Montreal SPCA, mirrored as the "animal police", stands on the forefront of advocating for pet welfare, seeking to implement changes in fitness-and-exercise policies (e.g., no-pet clauses in rentals), thereby promoting a healthier and more compassionate lifestyle for both pets and their owners.
