Humane Canada is happy to respond to media inquiries and can arrange comments and interviews with our CEO, Barbara Cartwright.

For media inquiries, please contact our marketing and communications team at media@humanecanada.ca

IN THE MEDIA

2022

• More ‘pandemic pets’ are ending up in shelters. Is there a fix? Experts weigh in
  July 27, 2022
  Global News
  “As inflation puts cost pressures on pet owners and many return to in-person work, several Canadians are surrendering their “pandemic pets,” which were obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic, to animal shelters. Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, spoke with Global News Morning about the issue.” Watch the full segment here.
  

• Animals shelters across Canada see a surge in pet surrenders
  July 20, 2022
  Global News
  “Global News Morning speaks with Humane Canada CEO Barbara Cartwright about why so many pet owners are giving up their animals, and what you should do if you can no longer care for your pet.” Watch the full segment here.
  

• Canadian animal shelters facing “perfect storm” as more pets are being surrendered
  July 19, 2022
  Global News
  “Many shelters are either close to or are at capacity as inflation puts cost pressures on pet owners, and at the same time are seeing a rise in calls for help and a growing waitlist to bring animals in to them, said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, which represents Canadian humane societies and SPCAs.” Watch the full segment here.
  

• Embassy of France paints town red, white and blue for Bastille Day
  July 14, 2022
  Ottawa Business Journal
  Photo: Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, with her colleague Toolika Rastogi, senior manager of policy and research, at the Bastille Day reception hosted by the Embassy of France. Read full story here.
  

• Niagara animal shelter struggling with capacity as summer adoptions slow
  July 7, 2022
  Global News
  “Humane Canada’s Cartwright also reported a shift in the types of animals coming into shelters, revealing increases in pets with behavioral and medical issues requiring more resources to make them adoptable.” Read full story here.
  

• More pets being surrendered to shelters amid return to work, rising costs
  July 7, 2022
  The Alan Carter Radio Program, 640 Toronto
  Guest host Pay Chen speaks with Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada. Listen to the interview here.
  

• Animal shelters stretched thin
  July 5, 2022
  CTV National News
  “We also have the economic impacts that we’re all feeling right now with the increase of inflation,” says Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada; Cartwright added, “we are seeing a vet shortage across the country. People are nervous about the fact they can’t get access, or they can no longer afford the access that they once had.” Watch the full segment here.
  

• Canadian animal shelters pushing overcapacity amid inflation, staff shortages
  July 4, 2022
  CTV News
  “Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, says overwhelming waitlists at shelters across the country, and a lack of resources such as medical support, food and foster care are creating ‘the perfect storm.’” Read full story here.
  

• With heat warnings come reminders of the danger of leaving pets in vehicles
  June 15, 2022
  Global News
  “Vehicle interiors, even with the windows left open a crack, can become extremely hot within a short period of time, putting animals at risk of heat-related illness, including heatstroke, and possible death. On a 21 C day, the inside of a car can reach 32 C within 10 minutes, and 37 C within 20 minutes, according to Humane Canada.“ Read full story here.
  
  
• Animal welfare laws a measure of how we respect rights of humans and the environment
  May 31, 2022
  Canadian Lawyer
  “How well we recognize and protect the rights of animals through our legal system is an essential measure of how we respect and protect the rights of humans and the environment, says a new report from Humane Canada.“ Read full story here.
  
  
• When it comes to animal rights, report finds Canada’s legal system needs improvement
  May 1, 2022
  Vancouver is Awesome
  “A new report from Humane Canada shows gaps remain when it comes to how animals are recognized in the law.“ Read full story here.
  
  
• Canada’s animal safety, welfare laws ‘lacking,’ Humane Canada says
  April 21, 2022
  Veterinary Practice News
  “Helping prepare a roadmap to ensure the Great White North is a safer place for animals, people, and the environment is the goal of a new release from Humane Canada. “ Read full story here.
  
  
• Potential pet owners: Prepare for thousands in bills before bringing home a furbaby
  April 18, 2022
  Ottawa Sun
  “Those costs are more than just pet food and toys, says Kathy Duncan, director of national programs for Humane Canada. “In the first year of ownership costs are usually higher because there are typically higher veterinary costs and startup vaccination series,” Duncan says. “ Read full story here.
  
  
• Pet industry embraces opportunities as owners return to work
  April 17, 2022
  CTV News
  “COVID really demonstrated how much Canadians love animals,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, whose members include Humane Societies and SPCAs across the country.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Trying to put pet food security on better footing with a National Pet Food Bank Program
  April 12, 2022
  Morning News
  “Humane Canada is a federation of SPCAs and humane societies. It’s trying to put pet food security on better footing with a national pet food bank program. We talk to Barbara Cartwright who is the CEO of Humane Canada.” Listen to full story here at the 30 minute mark.
  
  
• They fought a zoo — Ontario towns grapple with exotic animal owner
  January 30, 2022
  Morning News
  “This makes it impossible to even estimate how many animals are kept in captivity in backyards or roadside zoos, according to Kathy Duncan, director of national programs with Humane Canada, a national organization representing SPCAs and humane societies.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Canada Pet Ownership Statistics to Know in 2022: How Many Canadians have Pets?January 12, 2022
  The Comfy Shop
  “The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies maintains a database of pet ownership laws in each province and territory.” Read full story here.
  
  
• 10 Canada Animal Shelter Statistics & Facts to Know in 2022
  January 10, 2022
  Pet Keen
  “Humane Canada reported the lowest euthanization rates ever, with only 10% of dogs in shelters being euthanized. Of this number, only 2% were healthy dogs that could not find homes.” Read full story here.

2021

• In Some Ways Animals Fared Better During COVID
  December 26, 2021
  CJWW Radio
  “Humane Canada’s annual report on animal shelter statistics concludes that the pandemic caused some positive trends for companion animals.” Read full story here.
  
  
• “It’s a lifetime commitment:” Northeast SPCA asks people to think twice before gifting a pet
  December 24, 2021
  Melfort Journal
  “According to Humane Canada, there was a 25 per cent decrease in intake of cats in 2020 compared to the previous year, and a 28 per cent decrease in dog intake.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Cats are a hit during pandemic, according to adoption records
  December 19, 2021
  Toronto Sun
  “The number of cats adopted in Canada in 2020 was at the highest rate ever, with almost 70% of cats taken into shelters adopted. Euthanasia rates of cats were also way down, according to Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Positive trends for shelter animals: report
  December 14, 2021
  The Suburban
  “These statistics inspire optimism for Canada’s shelter animals” says Dr. Toolika Rastogi, Senior Manager of Policy and Research at Humane Canada and report author. “As a result of organizations pivoting to a community-centered model, we are seeing adoption increases, euthanasia decreases and more lost animals going home.” Read full story here.
  
  
• BC dairy farm makes the news for scenes of animal abuse
  November 10, 2021
  National Newswatch
  “Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, said the situation at the Cedar Valley Farm is “next in a long line of evidence that farmed animals are suffering. The industry and government refuse to act and Humane Canada condemns their lack of action to protect animals on commercial farms.” Real full story here.
  
  
• National animal-welfare group condemns ‘shocking footage’ at Abbotsford dairy farm
  November 5, 2021
  North Delta Reporter
  “The science is overwhelmingly clear that farmed animals are capable of cognitive thought, emotion, pain and suffering. They lack the ability to consent to or control their treatment by humans, which makes them highly vulnerable to abuse,” Cartwright said.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Humane Canada Criticizes Cedar Valley Dairy Farm in Abbotsford on Animal Welfare, SPCA Comments
  November 5, 2021
  Fraser Valley News
  “This new report of suspected animal abuse on another BC dairy farm is just the next in a long line of evidence that farmed animals are suffering while industry and government refuse to act,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Saskatchewan SPCA crafting standards to ensure rescue animal well-being
  November 2, 2021
  Global News
  “It’s an opportunity for us essentially to professionalize the industry in the sector, increase the care for those animals, ensuring that there are certain standards of care,” said Tara Hellewell, the organization’s director of donor relations and national engagement.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Central Alberta animal shelter overwhelmed by record-setting pet surrenders
  October 23, 2021
  CityNews
  “Tara Hellewell at Humane Canada believes there could be a multitude of factors at play. “It could be economic factors, sometimes families break up, housing difficulties, the inability to bring a pet into a new home,” said Hellewell.” Read full story here.
  
  

• Crowded with cats, Lower Mainland animal shelters are looking for forever feline families
  October 23, 2021
  CBC News
  “Barbara Cartwright, the head of Humane Canada, which represents humane societies, SPCAs and animal rescue organizations across the country, said at the end of the summer they were not seeing any notable difference in the numbers of pet surrenders among their members.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Humane Canada Attracts More Attendees and Boosts Engagement by Going Virtual
  October 2021
  EventMobi
  “Increased attendee numbers, nurtured new connections and conversations, and delivered better value to sponsors at their virtual Humane Canada Summit for Animals (formerly the National Animal Welfare Conference). ” Read full story here.
  
  
• Righting Canada’s wronged animals
  September 10, 2021
  National Magazine
  “In living memory, there hasn’t been a recognition of either the importance of animal welfare or protection. It’s clear that politicians are finally waking up to the fact that Canadians care about animals. More than 60% of Canadian homes have animals, with 90% of Canadians who own animals perceive them to be part of the family,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  

• Corbella: O’Toole’s Pet policy is No Joke — It’ll Help Save Human and Animal Lives
  September 2, 2021
  Calgary Sun
  “We’re very excited. In our living memory this is the first time, to our knowledge, that a major party has included a section in their platform on animal welfare. It’s not just a line on animal welfare, but a whole section — about five pages — and then he (O’Toole) brought it out front (Monday) very boldly, which I think is an indication that politicians are really waking up to the fact that Canadian voters care about animal protection and animal welfare,” said Cartwright.” Read full story here.
  
  
• We Spoke To A Toronto Family About Pet Adoption & Why Local Animal Shelters Are So Important
  September 1, 2021
  Narcity
  “According to a 2019 report from Humane Canada, more than 100,000 cats and dogs end up in the country’s animal shelters every year.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Some animal rescues warn pet surrenders are rising as pre-pandemic life returns
  July 25, 2021
  CBC News
  “Despite these reports, the head of Humane Canada, which represents humane societies, SPCAs and animal rescue organizations across the country, says they aren’t seeing any notable difference in surrenders among their members. “In fact, in some cases, we’re seeing surrenders going down,” said CEO Barbara Cartwright.” Read full story here.
  
  
• How Accommodating Pets in Domestic Violence Shelters is Helping Save Lives
  July 9, 2021
  Toronto Star
  “We say to police officers, if you go into a domestic violence situation, look for signs of animal abuse because evidence shows they likely coexist, and to flip that around, if you are responding to an animal abuse case, look for signs of domestic violence and child abuse.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Canada Goose Fashion Brand to Stop Using Fur by End of 2022
  June 24, 2021
  The Guardian
  “We applaud Canada Goose’s commitment to end the use of all fur by late 2022 and the leadership position they are taking in their industry,” said Barbara Cartwright, chief executive of Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  

• Canada Goose Commits to Going Fur Free
  June 24, 2021
  Business Wire
  “This is a significant step forward toward building a more humane and sustainable world. We applaud Canada Goose’s commitment to end the use of all fur by late 2022 and the leadership position they are taking in their industry,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Humane Canada’s Powerful PSA Makes a Point on Disposable PPE
  June 23, 2021
  Little Black Book
  “Humane Canada’s powerful new spot shows the importance of cutting facemasks strings in order to keep wildlife protected. Since the start of the pandemic, disposable facemasks have become a day to day regularity. However, the disposing of these masks has led to animals suffering the consequences.” Read full story here.
  
  
• ‘We felt compelled to speak up:’ Nanoose Bay dog owners demand tougher animal cruelty laws
  June 18, 2021
  Nanaimo News Now
  “Hannah Brown, the agency’s criminal justice reform program manager, said evidence shows stricter punishments and strengthened rehabilitative programs are required for animal abusers. “There’s a very clear link between abuse towards animals and violence towards human beings, and that was reflected in this case in the psychological report,” Brown said.” Read full story here.
  
  
• How the pandemic pet boom went bust for some dog owners
  June 17, 2021
  NOW Toronto
  “Usually when puppies reach around the 10- to 12-month mark, if they haven’t received proper training or proper socialization, some owners can become frustrated and then the puppy goes back to the shelter,” says Natalia Hanson, media representative for Humane Canada, Canada’s membership-based federation of SPCAs and humane societies. “But we haven’t seen that happen yet.”  Read full story here.
  
  
• Empty animal welfare promises a bad look for the food industry
  June 13, 2021
  Corporate Knights
  “Humane Canada reports that approximately 90% of egg-laying hens are currently held in battery cages in Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• The Push to Protect Lab Animals in Canada
  June 7, 2021
  The Tyee
  “In a joint statement, Animal Justice, Humane Canada and the Canadian Society for Humane Science applauded the move as an important first step in ending the painful and often deadly practice of toxicity testing involving tens of thousands of animals each year in Canada..” Read full story here.
  
  
• Animal sentience legislation: Canada should follow the UK
  May 28, 2021
  Canadian Lawyer
  “Recognizing sentience of animal in our legislative framework is critical…” Read full story here.
  
  
• Pelham Cares reaches out to gardeners, pet lovers
  May 26, 2021
  The Voice of Pelham
  “The LCHS received a grant of $3,500 to purchase pet food, made possible by Humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Donation Will Help Hungry Pets Across Niagara
  May 14, 2021
  Newstalk 610 CKTB
  “The Lincoln County Humane Society in St. Catharines has received a grant of $3,500 from Humane Canada, to purchase pet food for their Pet Food Bank Program.” Read full story here.
  

• Ottawa Humane Society recognized for high-quality animal welfare by Humane Canada
  April 23, 2021
  City News
  “These organizations are caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society — animals. Standards and accreditation is a way of promoting confidence and signaling to the general public that an organization has achieved best practice and is trustworthy.” Read full story here.
  

• Too many new pet owners, not enough vets make getting animal care a problem
  January 25, 2021
  CTV News
  Humane Canada says 78,000 cats and 28,000 dogs were in shelters across Canada in 2019. Sixty-five per cent of the felines and 73 per cent of dogs were either adopted or reclaimed by their owners. Read full story here.
  
  
• Unfarming: New P.E.I. farm sanctuary offers unwanted animals a home
  January 23, 2021
  CBC News
  “We have certainly seen a growth in farm sanctuaries across Canada and this indicates to us a needed and welcome shift in the way Canadians view farmed animals.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Courtenay-Alberni MP recognized for animal welfare leadership
  January 4, 2021
  Commox Valley Record
  “The passing of this bill was a clear example of what we can achieve when we work together. It is an honour for our organization to recognize the trailblazing leaders who worked tirelessly for over five years to pass this bill. We look forward to continuing to work together towards building a more humane Canada.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Brock expert appointed to Canadian human-animal Violence Link Coalition committee
  January 19, 2021
  The Brock News
  “Dr. Coulter’s expertise in this field is invaluable in ensuring the CVLC’s ambitious plans continue to be driven by evidence-based research. She joins other distinguished professionals on the committee including representatives from the RCMP, the veterinary community, women’s shelters, animal protection organizations, the judiciary and the prosecution community.” Read full story here.
  

2020

• ‘The reward is worth it’: For some pet adoption centres, 2020 was a banner year
  December 21, 2020
  CTV News
  “We know that there is some decrease in adoptable dogs and this is unfortunately driving up some people who are just looking to breed dogs for profit. We need to do our due diligence in ensuring that we’re not inadvertently supporting a puppy mill operation, because if the demand doesn’t decrease, the supply will never decrease.” Read full story here.
  

• Education campaigns have drawbacks: prof
  December 17, 2020
  The Western Producer
  “It strikes me that if vets, farmers, animal welfare workers are all undergoing very similar stresses, that first of all we need to think about why that is because we’re all intersecting with animals, and second, thinking about the negotiation table, how challenging it is to come to negotiation if we lack communication, we lack understanding about each other.” Read full story here.
  

• COVID surge in dog demand has shelters, breeders urging caution
  November 23, 2020
  CBC News
  Regarding adopting a dog from a humane society, SPCA, or rescue: “Several hundred applications for one dog, it’s not uncommon to see that.” Read full story here.

• Spaying, neutering and controlling feral cat populations shows compassion
  August 12, 2020
  Assiniboia Times
  “The impacts of this overpopulation are serious and include cats languishing in shelters long term, or worse, succumbing to stress-related illnesses. For cats who remain outdoors, risk of disease transmission, as well as illness, injury and death are daily realities.” Read full story here.
  
  
• Bill 156: Security from trespass or ag-gag?
  July 9, 2020
  The Lawyer’s Daily
  “Welfare and treatment of farm animals is one of the focuses of Humane Canada. It recently posted on social media that the fight is not over, “… we will continue to oppose AG Gag Bills that are already being drafted in other provinces.” Read full story here.

RECENT NEWS