Ontario Protecting Animals in the Interim

The protection of animals is important to our government and important to the people of Dufferin-Caledon. That’s why, while our government works toward a more stable, transparent and accountable animal protection system, we have introduced measures to protect animals in the interim.

When the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) decided to withdraw animal protection enforcement services that they had been providing for over a century, local Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) and humane societies offered their continued assistance while our government worked to transition to a new, permanent enforcement model. We understand that the work towards a new model cannot be rushed, and animal protection is too important not to get right. To preserve animal welfare protection during this period of improvement and transition, our government passed interim legislation that empowers local SPCAs to continue their important work. This legislation permits eligible inspectors to be appointed and ensures animal protection remains a priority in the interim.

During this current interim period, public concerns regarding animal welfare protection can be reported by calling 1-833-9ANIMAL. All calls will be dispatched for an appropriate response, ensuring maximum efficiency in responding to public concerns.

As a part of our government’s plan to develop a comprehensive permanent animal protection model, our strategy includes broad consultation with municipalities, police services and members of the public. We sought feedback through an online survey to ensure that Ontarians had the opportunity to share their thoughts to help improve animal protection in the province. We will use this direct feedback to inform our improved model, as well as advice from the public, veterinarians, agriculture stakeholders, industry experts, shelters, local SPCAs and municipal and policing partners.

We recognize that the protection of animals is important to the people of Ontario and we will continue working with our partners to ensure we implement an improved animal protection model in Ontario.

If you have any questions regarding animal welfare protection in Ontario, please call me at

1-800-265-1603 or visit www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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