Montreal SPCA launches 24/7 hotline amid rise in animal abuse reports
Posted November 25, 2025 8:53 am.
Last Updated November 25, 2025 8:58 am.
The Montreal SPCA has launched a new 24/7 hotline for reporting animal cruelty, citing a sharp rise in abuse cases across Quebec.
Residents can now anonymously report suspected neglect or mistreatment.
The organization says the line is needed as reports of cruelty continue to climb. In 2024, the SPCA handled 9,230 complaints, a 15per cent increase over the previous year, equivalent to roughly 25 more calls every day. The number of animals seized also tripled, rising from 57 in 2023 to 179 in 2024.
“Since starting at the Montreal SPCA in 2023, I have seen just how widespread the needs are,” said Alain Tessier, director of the SPCA’s Investigations Division and a former police detective lieutenant. “We really must expand our services beyond greater Montréal.”
The Investigations Division has the authority to enforce Criminal Code provisions relating to animal cruelty province-wide, along with Quebec’s animal-welfare laws in 107 municipalities across Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians and Montérégie.
The hotline announcement comes as the SPCA continues to pursue charges in the widely publicized case of Linus, an emaciated dog rescued on March 23. Following a months-long investigation, two suspects were charged by the Quebec directorate of criminal and penal prosecutions (DPCP) and appeared in court on Sept. 15.
Each faces two counts: causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and care. Both pleaded not guilty and were released with conditions prohibiting possession of weapons and animals. They are expected back in court on Dec. 15 to set a trial date, and each faces a maximum five-year prison sentence.
The Montreal SPCA says they hope that justice will be served for Linus and encourages all Quebec residents to report any animal cruelty or neglect they witness by calling 1-855-711-7575.
