Animals abandoned in Montreal surges another 21%, says SPCA

The number of abandoned pets has jumped again in Montreal.

The Montreal SPCA noted a 21 per cent increase in animals entrusted to them in the first four months of 2024 compared to 2023.

For dogs, the increase is even higher, at 35 per cent year over year.

This represents 166 more abandoned dogs than in 2023 at the same date.

There was also a 21 per cent increase in animals entrusted to the SPCA for the first four months of 2023 compared to 2022.

The number of abandonments is expected to increase further in July, indicates the general director of the Montreal SPCA, Laurence Massé, due to the numerous moves.

“We realize that behind each abandonment, there is a financial reason,” Massé said. “The economic context of inflation is at the heart of this phenomenon. The housing crisis particularly exacerbates the number of abandonments.”

It has almost become impossible to find suitable and affordable accommodation where pets are accepted, says Massé.

“Every year, more than 400 animals are abandoned at the Montreal SPCA because their families cannot find accommodation that accepts pets,” she said.

According to data from the Montreal SPCA, only 4.2 per cent of owners accept dogs in their homes, while 25 per cent of households have a dog in Quebec.

“People who give up at the Montreal SPCA do so reluctantly. Someone who is not able to find accommodation that accepts their pet, they either go to the street, or they abandon their pet,” said Massé.

According to her, clauses that prohibit animals in housing should be abolished, as has been done in France and Ontario.

Other financial difficulties regarding animals include their medical difficulties. The bills are very steep and often push owners to the limit of their resources, to the point of abandonment.

The upcoming adoption of Bill 67 in Quebec will help a lot in this regard, believes Massé. Currently, SPCA veterinarians are not allowed to treat public animals. Once the bill is passed, they will be able to do so, which will allow the Montreal SPCA to open a low-cost veterinary clinic for low-income people.

Due to the increase in abandonments, the Montreal SPCA shelters are overcrowded.

“It’s worrying, because the shelters are already full and we haven’t reached the July 1 date yet,” said Massé.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews