Mike Mulick, the manager of animal services with the City of Brampton, highlighted the issue of pet abandonment in Canada, specifically unethical breeders abandoning dogs outside once they are no longer valuable to them. The Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales (PUPS) Act, which was signed into law on June 6, aims to address this issue by enforcing penalties for harmful dog breeding practices. However, Mulick shared concerns with Ontario lawmakers about breeders abandoning litters of puppies with the intent of disregarding them, causing distress and concern for animal welfare advocates.
The demand for pets during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in demand, resulting in some breeders abandoning dogs outside or giving them to shelters. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has seen a 16 percent increase in intakes this year compared to 2023, particularly in the number of dogs and puppies coming into shelters. This surge is attributed to pet owners who can no longer afford their pets or have accidental litters, as well as breeders who are unable to manage their situations, resulting in poor conditions for the animals.
Sonya Reichel, the vice president of shelter operations at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, highlighted the challenges faced by shelters in providing emergency medical care and support for the animals coming in. Labchuk of Animal Justice emphasized the need for licensing and registration for breeders in Ontario to address the issue of puppy mills and poor breeding conditions. Current laws allow authorities to lay charges if animals are found in distress, but enforcement is largely driven by tips from the public, which Labchuck noted are often low in chances of happening.
The PUPS Act aims to strengthen animal welfare laws by introducing minimum penalties for harmful breeding practices, such as breeding underage female dogs, and enforcing penalties for operating puppy mills. Labchuck emphasized the need for licensing and standards of care for all dogs being bred, a measure that she believes can be implemented through regulations under the existing PAWS Act. While some Ontario municipalities already operate a licensing regime for dog breeders, the government continues to work on this issue and develop regulations to improve conditions for animals.
Mulick emphasized the importance of mandatory socialization time for dogs in breeding facilities to prevent behavioral issues that may lead to dogs being surrendered to shelters. He also advised potential pet owners to consider adoption as a first choice and to do thorough research on breeders to ensure they are reputable. While progress has been made with the PUPS Act, Mulick highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to enhance animal welfare laws and ensure that breeders are held accountable for their practices. Animal advocates continue to call for improvements to legislation and regulation to address the issue of pet abandonment and unethical breeding practices in Canada.
