QUEBEC’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET…

“Puppy mills, sometimes known as puppy farms, are large-scale dog breeding facilities that operate under substandard breeding conditions, causing the development of chronic health problems, temperament issues, and hereditary defects in puppies that come from the mills. The high numbers of euthanized animals has led animal rights advocates to oppose the mass breeding of pet animals, a view that the profitable breeding industry opposes.”

“Substandard” hardly captures the reality of what actually goes on in these mills. Dogs have been found beaten and left with infected wounds unattended. They are often crammed into metal cages which are then piled upon other cages and forced to spend their days standing on a metal grid, festering in their own feces. It is not uncommon to find these pups severely under-nourished, and many often die from starvation, physical abuse and neglect.

BOOMING QUEBEC INDUSTRY

While we are proud Quebecers we were saddened and ashamed to learn that Quebec is the leading puppy mill offender not only in Canada, but in all of North America.

In fact, it is estimated that there are at least 2000 underground puppy mill operations throughout the Province, with little or no consequences other than  “slap-on-the-hand”  fines for charged offenders. And being charged requires mammoth energy time and money due to slippery animal rights laws. Less than 1% of animal abuse complaints lead to convictions.

And it is no better on a Federal level. Back in 2008, The Federal Government passed bill S-203. While penalty costs  have increased, very little of the laguage from the previous, century-old, embarrassingly outdated  bill has changed. There are countless loopholes which make it next to impossible to hold an individual properly accountable for heinous animal abuses.

SOME KEY POINTS ON THE INEFFECTIVE BILL S-203

• it only covers animals that are “property”; therefore, “unowned” animals, such as strays and wildlife will not be protected. Animal cruelty provisions should protect all animals not just “those kept for a lawful purpose”
• it does not include a clear and concise definition of “animal”
• it does not criminalize individuals who train or organize animals to fight other animals or those who bet on animal fights
• it does not make it an offence to kill an animal with brutal and/or vicious intent, whether or not the animal dies immediately

This is a Developed Nation. It is the year 2011.

The fact that a sentient, living being is considered property in the eyes of the law only exacerbates an already grim situation. Unfortunately at this time our governments continue to turn a blind eye.

ACTION

One of the primary objectives of IJ2 and S.P.A CANADA is to see the entire puppy mill industry abolished.  It must be done through education and the raising of awareness. Practically speaking, it entails implementing school workshops and presentations and information booths  in various key popular venues.

On a more direct level, it may also mean actively hunting down and exposing Quebec puppy mills.  Click here for up-to-date news on puppy mills, or donate now!