‘Don’t Forget the Animals’ urges OHS as provincial election approaches
Posted Feb 21, 2025 01:51:21 PM.
Last Updated Feb 21, 2025 04:14:04 PM.
With the Ontario election just around the corner, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is calling on the community to ask candidates how their party will support animals across the province.
While Ontario has taken steps towards improving animal protection, more needs to be done to build a more humane future for the animals, wrote OHS in a news release.
The government has seen successes and setbacks, regardless of which party is in office — and animals are relying on the community to keep their well-being top of mind with our provincial leaders.
“There are still key steps and legislative wins the animals need, and the election is an opportunity for provincial leaders to carry the momentum and build a more compassionate future for the animals,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO.
Protecting domestic pets is crucial — but they are not the only animals at risk, she added.
According to OHS, Ontario is the only province that allows the operation of train and trial hunting pens. This means that wildlife are captured, only to be used as bait for competitions or to train hunting dogs.
Miko highlights the most recent death of a beluga whale at Marineland, adding “we are seeing that politicians are interested in making a difference, but action is critical — not just words.”
Additionally, OHS reported two cases of dog abandonment during freezing temperatures in Ottawa last week.
Seven dogs and puppies were abandoned on Feb. 13 during a major snowstorm, noted OHS in a news release.
This included four puppies found in a Barrhaven park, and three dogs found outside of West Hunt Club’s Audi dealership — next door to the Ottawa Humane Society.
The dogs and puppies found during last week’s snowstorm continues an alarming trend that has emerged in the first few months of 2025, explained OHS.
While 32 dogs have needed the agency’s care in 2025, this is compared to only 13 during the same period in 2024.
According to the Ottawa Humane Society, community members should ask “what will your candidate do?” about the following animal protection issues:
- Strengthening investigations of animal cruelty and neglect: Ontario made puppy mills illegal in 2024, but adequate regulations are required for this legislation to make a difference.
- Banning train and trial hunting pens: Ontario is the only province that allows wild animals to be caught, trapped and used as bait to train hunting dogs. This is not only cruel, but poses public health risks.
- Improving access to veterinary care: The province needs to find solutions to support a growing pet population and growing need for accessible veterinary care. Possible solutions include supporting higher entry into veterinary care professions, addressing the cost of veterinary supples and increasing access to care.
Last summer, OHS asked the community what they were most worried about when it comes to owning pets. Results showed that people were most concerned that the cost of caring for a pet may drive families apart, it noted.
Additionally, the survey found that pet owners and veterinary professionals were feeling greater pressures related to increasing costs and a growing pet population.
“The OHS is doing a lot to keep pets and people together — but we need government’s help to do more,” wrote OHS on its website.
To help guide community members, OHS has provided key questions to ask candidates:
- Do you plan to improve the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act? If yes, how will you do it? If no, why not?
- Will you fight against cruel practices such as train and trial hunting pens and roadside zoos?
- Will you work towards supporting more accessible veterinary care throughout the province?
For more details on advocating for animals as the provincial election approaches, click here.
“There is much more to be done to protect animals across the province and improve transparency surrounding provincial investigations into animal cruelty and neglect. What will your candidate do?,” added OHS.
Ensuring the humane treatment of animals, providing support and resources for pet owners, and protecting animals against harm are critical in making Ontario a better place for animals, explained OHS.
