August 2018

You may recall that on June 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that only acts of penetration are punishable under Canada’s bestiality laws, effectively legalizing all other forms of sexual assault on an animal. The implications of this ruling for animals and for people – mostly children – are horrendous. Animals are both the victims and too often the unwilling participants of sexual abuse.

Two years have passed. Parliament has not yet taken action to close this appalling legislative loophole. We think this is too long. And our national partner, Humane Canada, has organized a petition so that you can let our lawmakers know that now is the time to act.

The petition can be found here. Please take a moment and do your part to protect animals and children in our communities.

The OHS has growing concerns about the disparity between levels of veterinary care provided for owned cats and dogs. Most recent data indicates that cat owners (46%) are less likely than dog owners (77%) to have taken their pet to the veterinarian within a 12 month period. The main reason? Owners’ perceptions that their pet doesn’t need to see a vet, because nothing seems to be wrong. Veterinarians caution that this attitude can result in animal suffering.

Dental disease in particular is an increasing area of concern. Given the estimate that 85% of cats three years of age or older have some level of dental disease, the OHS warns owners that they may be unintentionally neglecting their pet. Veterinarians report that pet owners are frequently surprised to find out that their pet is suffering from dental disease, which can be extremely painful. Cats are particularly good at masking illness, often hiding from their owners when they are sick or in pain. Even when dental issues are pointed out to the owner, follow-through is very low. Some veterinarians note compliance with veterinary dental care recommendations is as low as 5% - and this statistic pertains to cats that are actually seen by a veterinarian.

OHS urges owners—and especially cat owners—to ensure their pet is receiving regular veterinary care. It is imperative for pet owners to recognize the importance of following up with a veterinarians recommendations for procedures such as dental surgery, which should not be considered as optional.

Ottawans typically experience summers with high temperatures and intense humidity levels. A heat wave can debilitate a human, so what about our pets?

Animals can become brain damaged and even die from the heat. Like humans, animals can suffer from heatstroke if left without drinking water, and sun burns if their coat is shaved too short leaving their skin exposed to harmful UV rays.

In Ontario, criminal charges apply when an animal is neglected and exposed to the dangers of summer heat. Locking an animal in a vehicle serves as a prime example. The maximum penalty is two-year imprisonment, a $60,000 fine, and a potential lifetime ban on owning animals. This penalty applies if all the car windows are rolled down and even if the vehicle running with the AC on, because AC can suddenly fail. The reality is dogs die in hot cars and it is a crime to lock them in a vehicle. Dial 911 immediately.

It is beneficial to know that a dog’s normal body temperature is about 39°C, and a temperature of 41°C can be withstood only for a very short time. Even a simple walk around the park can elevate your dog’s body temperature enough to begin the effects of heat distress.

Exercise your pet in the early morning and late evenings. Keep them indoors as much as possible, and provide them with plenty of drinking water. If you have outdoor pets, make certain they are kept away from scorching hot pavement, ensure they have ample amounts of water and constant shade.

Our Summer Safety for Pets provides information on the symptoms of heat distress and how best to protect your animal from the dangers of heat.

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under licence by the Ottawa Humane Society.