Report Animal Abuse

Get help for animals whose welfare is being compromised, please read the information below.

You can help Humane Canada to stop the causes of animal cruelty at the source by changing Canada’s laws, regulations and policies. Support our work today

Please note that Humane Canada, (the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies), is not an animal rescue centre. We do not provide rescue services. We are a national federation that represents humane societies and SPCAs, but we do not have jurisdiction over these societies or their operations. Please note that we do not conduct cruelty inspections.

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. If you are located in Ontario, you can also report animal cruelty or neglect by calling the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

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.  If you are located in Ontario, you can also report animal cruelty or neglect by calling the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

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. 

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. 

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

  • 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.

You can help Humane Canada stop the causes of animal cruelty at the source by changing Canada’s laws, regulations and policies. Support our work today