Investigations
Each of us has the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neglected and abused animals. By reporting cases of suspected or known animal cruelty you are offering defenceless animals protection and a second chance. You may also be helping other current and future victims.
To reduce all forms of cruelty and encourage a more compassionate society we ask each of you to be alert to all forms of neglect and violence. This section provides the information you need to become familiar with common signs of abuse, distress and how to report cruelty.
Reporting Animal Cruelty
Call 1-833-9ANIMAL to Report Animal Welfare Concerns
On June 29, 2019, Ontario's interim animal protection model will come into effect to keep animals safe as the province transitions to a new system that is more robust, transparent, and accountable. This temporary model includes:
- A new toll-free number available 24/7 to report animal welfare concerns: 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)
- An interim chief inspector, appointed by the Solicitor General, to provide leadership on animal protection in the province
- New temporary animal welfare inspectors, many from local humane societies and Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs), appointed by the chief inspector.
Appointed by the chief inspector, a team of inspectors will be responsible for animal protection in the province and will have subject matter expertise in livestock and agriculture, horses, and zoos and aquariums.
Inspectors employed by willing local humane societies and/or SPCAs will also be appointed by the province to continue delivering enforcement services. The public can report animal welfare concerns by calling 1-833-9ANIMAL, and calls will be triaged and dispatched for response by the most appropriate local entity.
Developing a new model for animal protection cannot be rushed, and is it too important not to get right. This is a temporary solution to fill in the gaps while Ontario transitions to a new model.
ONTARIO SPCA & HUMANE SOCIETY ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Across Ontario, and wherever law enforcement agencies have the lead role in responding to cases of animal cruelty, Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services provides a variety of critical, animal-related services to support police and to help vulnerable animals in times of crisis.
Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services include:
• Collecting and processing forensic evidence to help build cases against animal abusers;
• On-site support providing animal care, including veterinary medicine;
• Animal behaviour assessments and rehabilitation;
• Animal transportation;
• Animal sheltering and placement of rescued animals in homes or other suitable environments;
• Animal care and wellness services;
• Legal support and animal law briefings.
To better understand how the partnership between law enforcement agencies and Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services will work, it’s helpful to have an overview of our potential role in the process of an animal cruelty case.
Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services will assist law enforcement agencies with collecting evidence to build cases against animal abusers. Once a case of animal cruelty is being investigated, Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services will respond with appropriate animal-related resources when we are contacted by law enforcement agencies. We can support the process at an animal crime scene by providing crisis intervention for animals including animal handling, animal care and medical treatment. We can also transport animals to a safe environment and provide sheltering. Once the needs of animals have been met, we can further assist law enforcement agencies by locating, recording and preserving physical evidence in animal-related investigations. In addition, we will be available to assist with preparing court documents, testifying and providing background and expertise on animal law. As cases conclude, we will ensure animals are placed in homes or other suitable environments.
Animals deserve optimum care and Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services is being designed to provide enhanced protection of animals, in partnership with law enforcement agencies. Through the expertise of agencies enforcing the law and Ontario SPCA Enforcement Support Services providing and advocating for animals, this partnership will maximize resources for the best possible protection of animals.
For more information, call 310-SPCA (7722).
Who to call if you suspect Cruelty?
Ontario Farm Animal Care Helpline Services
Contact the Ontario Farm Animal Care Helpline to assist farmers who are unwilling or unable to maintain acceptable conditions for their farm animals (or if you are a farmer experiencing difficulties) and concerns will be relayed to the appropriate group. P: 519-837-1326.
Illegal Slaughter Hotline
If you have any information regarding meat-processing activities which you think may be illegal, please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) 1-888-466-2372, http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/
Wildlife
If you have any information regarding concerns for wildlife, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) 1-877-847-7667, http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/
Food Production and Humane Transport
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency plays an important role in providing protection for animals used in food production (CFIA).
Contact 1-800-442-2342 or http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml
Public Health
Contact 647-260-7100, http://www.oahpp.ca/contact/index.html
Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA)
Contact your local municipality.