More than half of Quebec households have pets, which are often seen as family members. However, during separations, Quebec courts prioritize legal ownership over the pets' well-being or attachment to either spouse.
This practice can ignore the animals' best interests and even perpetuate domestic abuse dynamics. Bill 56, under review in the National Assembly, aims to address this by allowing judges to consider the pet’s welfare and emotional needs. This legislative change would align Quebec with other regions that prioritize animal welfare in divorce settlements.
Will Quebec’s parliamentarians take this crucial step?
Send a letter to our political party leaders and access templates to help you write to our political party leaders about their plans to create a more humane Canada for animals.