IF YOU SUSPECT AN ANIMAL IS NEGLECTED OR ABUSED, it is vital that the events you witness and the condition of the animal are documented. Take photos and/or video of the human and animal, obtain a license plate, name or address and report to your region’s authority. If the abuser is a Walker, and a Member of CDWA, please report to us as well so we can investigate and remedy the situation.

Authorities vary widely by region. Provincial SPCAs and local Humane Societies have Animal Investigators available to take reports.

In Ontario, however, investigative duties were transitioned from OSPCA to PAWS (Provincial Animal Welfare Service), beginning in 2019.

To report an abusive Pet Professional, please follow directions, above, and send us a picture/video and name or license plate.

DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE, Humane Canada

Domestic animal cruelty or neglect
If you’ve witnessed an act of animal cruelty or neglect please call your local SPCA or humane society and speak to the Animal Cruelty Investigations department. If there is no local SPCA or humane society where you live, call the provincial SPCA, the local police or the RCMP.

Animal Fighting
If you have information of, or suspect an animal fighting ring, call local Police (911) or RCMP for immediate intervention.

Farm animal cruelty or neglect
If you’ve witnessed an act of animal cruelty or neglect on a farm, please call your local SPCA or humane society. If your local shelter does not have jurisdiction over farm animals, or you live outside your local shelter’s jurisdiction, call the provincial SPCA, the local police or the RCMP.

Wild animal issues
If you’re having conflicts with wild animals on your property or in your neighbourhood, please contact a local wildlife centre or your provincial Ministry of Natural Resources.

Animal injury
If you see an animal in need of emergency care, please find a recommended local animal hospital or veterinary clinic that has the capacity and expertise to care for that animal.

If your emergency is after hours, call a recommended local animal hospital or veterinary clinic and listen to the recorded instructions for 24-hour emergency services.

Possible puppy or kitten mill
How to recognize a puppy or kitten mill:
• Loud and constant barking/yelping is coming from the buildings
• Animals are rarely brought outside for exercise
• Animals are denied access to appropriate shelter
• Malnourished, excessively thin animals
• Females are constantly being bred for puppies or kittens
• Animals are kept in unsanitary cages – often stacked on top of each other
• Stalls or cages are caked in excrement
• Minimal veterinary treatment and, sometimes, visible health problems
• Matted fur and/or long, untrimmed nails
• Large numbers of dogs or cats in one small area
• Puppies of many different breeds

If this describes a situation in your area, please call your local humane society or SPCA and explain the situation to the Animal Cruelty Investigations department. If you live outside of your shelter’s jurisdiction, please contact the police for assistance.