Anti-Puppy Mill Petition Surpasses 2,000 Signatures
The OHS’s petition to strengthen Ontario’s Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales (PUPS) legislation has received more than 2,000 signatures. Closing on Dec. 31, the petition aims to bring key protections to prevent unethical businesses from abusing puppies and their mothers for profit.
In 2024, the Ontario government passed PUPS, penalties and rules under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act to crack down on puppy mills in Ontario.
Despite momentum, important gaps remain. The OHS, alongside Ottawa’s animals advocates, are calling for:
- A provincial breeder registry;
- Stronger socialization standards for puppies;
- Transparent reporting where appropriate; and,
- Clear enforcement tools under PAWS to ensure these important laws have the teeth needed to truly protect animals.
Sign the OHS’s petition by Dec. 31 and help ensure Ontario’s laws have the bite needed to make a meaningful difference for Ontario’s puppies and their mothers.
Major Victory: The End of Cruel Testing on Cats and Dogs
Recently, the Ontario government introduced new legislation to protect cats and dogs used in research. The proposed amendments to the Animals for Research Act would place new limits on how these animals can be used in laboratories and introduce some animal welfare safeguards. If the bill is adopted, Ontario would:
- Prohibit invasive medical research on dogs and cats, with limited and defined exceptions;
- Implement new oversight rules, including updates to how institutional committees approve and monitor research involving animals; and,
- Prohibit supplies facilities from breeding cats and dogs for research purposes.
The proposed regulations are timely after August’s discovery of cruel research practices in a London-based facility.
More than 500 of Ottawa’s animal advocates wrote to Premier Doug Ford to demand greater protections for animals used in research and for Ontario to pursue animal-free alternatives for testing.
These amendments are an important first step and represent meaningful progress toward better treatment of cats and dogs used in research in Ontario. Should the amendments pass, more support is still needed to enact strong protections against cruel research practices for all animals.
Pet Food Drive — Great Success
Over the past few months, the OHS distributed more than 3,000 lbs of pet food to families in need. Some of the greatest needs for pet food are unopened bags of dry cat food, bags of dry dog food and canned dog food.
The OHS’s Emergency Pet Food Bank supports Ottawa’s pet owners like Greg and his dog Romeo who needed support at the OHS Emergency Pet Food Bank. Greg shared:
“This year has been quite challenging with two surgeries and the possibility of a third, which has made it difficult for me to work
The pet food bank has been a lifeline for us. Every month, I am able to pick up a supply of food for Romeo, which has been a tremendous help, especially given my current situation. I can’t overstate how much this has eased the burden during this tough time.”
The OHS relies on donations to make the pet food bank possible. You can still donate unopened bags of pet food or make a gift online to help keep pets with the families who love them.
OHS Launches New Resource for Dog Owners
To improve the human-animal bond and help make Ottawa a more pet-friendly community, the OHS launched a special educational webinar: From Pushy to Patient: Teaching Your Dog Spatial Boundaries.
About 50 people learned how to help dogs who struggle with excitement, pushiness or uncertainty around new people and spaces. The webinar was a new addition to the OHS’s suite of resources to support dog owners in caring for their pet and to help children learn how to safely and respectfully approach animals.
Education and awareness are essential to building a pet-friendly community and ensuring people can have positive interactions with pets.
By increasing education opportunities, the OHS aims to see this number decrease in the community.
Your support makes these educational opportunities possible and ensures Ottawa can be an even more pet-friendly community.
Fearful Cat Finds Help at the OHS
Amara, a nine-year-old cat, came to the OHS after being found lost and alone, showing signs of fear and stress. Understanding her need for patience and a gentle approach, our intervention services team created a customized care plan for Amara. This included extra enrichment and socialization with our dedicated feline volunteers to help her feel safe and rebuild her confidence.
Over time, through calm routines and positive experiences, Amara gradually learned to trust again. She began showing small signs of affection on her own terms — curling up nearby and seeking gentle contact when she felt ready. Amara still prefers to move at her own pace but her progress showed that she was ready for a family that understood her needs. She has since been adopted and is now settling into her forever home, where she can continue to feel safe and grow more confident each day.
