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How to Report Animal Cruelty, Neglect or Bylaw Issues

Written By: Jasmine Sethi
sad dogs in a cage

If you want to report animal cruelty, neglect, or even a bylaw violation concerning animals, we urge you to contact the appropriate authorities listed below based on your province of residence. These contacts are current and accurate for reporting such incidents across Canada. If you find an error or want to make an addition to this resource, email us at info@pawscanada.ca.

In some instances, reporting may only be available via phone and not via email. Your personal information is safeguarded under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and will be kept confidential.

Important Note: Progressive Animal Welfare Services (PAWS Canada) is a very different organization than Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services (also often using the acronym PAWS). PAWS Canada does not engage in the enforcement of municipal bylaws or provincial/federal animal cruelty laws. Our role is to support animal welfare through subsidizing veterinarian care, offering educational materials and self-help resources, and other preventive programs.

Understanding Neglect, Abuse, and Bylaw Issues

The Law:

It is illegal to intentionally harm an animal or cause it to suffer needlessly. This includes both direct actions—such as physical abuse—and neglect, such as failing to provide the basic necessities of life. Every person responsible for an animal has a legal duty to ensure it receives proper care, humane living conditions, and protection from harm.
Example: Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act in Ontario – legal obligations.

What Constitutes Animal Abuse or Neglect:

Animal abuse or neglect includes:

  • Deliberately withholding food, clean water, or shelter
  • Forcing an animal to live in unsanitary, unsafe, or overcrowded conditions
  • Failing to provide necessary medical or veterinary care—this includes untreated injuries or illnesses, lack of pain relief, or skipping required vaccinations
  • Keeping animals in confined spaces without adequate ventilation, light, or room to move
  • Chaining or tethering animals for prolonged periods without proper access to shelter or water

The Fines:

Examples of possible fines for offences under the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Act):

  • Failing to provide food, water, shelter, and care to an animal: $500 – $200,000
  • Unsafe transport of a dog:  $140 – $1,100
  • Failure to notify of injury to a domestic animal – $140 – $1,100
  • Inhumane destruction of an animal – $140 – $2,100
  • Abandoning an animal – $240 – $5,200
  • Sale of an animal without a Pet Establishment Licence  – $140
  • Inappropriate tethering of a dog – $240 – $5,200.

Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement Issues:

Not all concerns involving animals are cases of cruelty. Many are regulated by local municipal bylaws and should be reported to animal control or bylaw enforcement officers.

These issues may include:

  • Dogs or cats roaming freely without supervision
  • Excessive barking or persistent noise complaints
  • Owners failing to clean up after their pets
  • Exceeding the legal limit of animals allowed in a home
  • Keeping exotic or prohibited animals
  • Dog bites or aggressive behaviour toward people or other animals
  • Animals not licensed, tagged, or registered as required
  • Operating an unlicensed breeding, boarding, or rescue operation

These matters are usually handled by your local municipality. However, if you believe an animal is in immediate danger, always contact the appropriate cruelty investigation line.

Where to Report Animal Cruelty

If you suspect an animal is being mistreated or denied basic care, it may fall under animal cruelty laws. Contact your local animal welfare authority using the contact list provided below.

ALBERTA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

  • BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722 (Daily, 8:00 am–6:00 pm, except statutory holidays)
  • After Hours – Local Police Department: 604-717-3321
  • Emergencies: Call 911

MANITOBA

  • Animal Care Line: 204-945-8000 | Toll-Free: 1-888-945-8001
  • Winnipeg Humane Society Animal Cruelty Line: 204-982-2028
  • Email: animalcare@gov.mb.ca
  • Emergencies: Call 911

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

  • Provincial Animal Control Line: 709-729-2668
  • Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (Farm Animals): 709-729-6879 | animalwelfare@gov.nl.ca
  • SPCA Newfoundland and Labrador: 709-651-3002 (9:00 am–12:00 pm, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm)
  • Regional Contacts:
    • Carbonear Animal Control: 709-596-3831
    • Conception Bay South: 709-834-6552 | enforcement@conceptionbaysouth.ca
    • Gander: 709-256-4065 (Local police and animal control)
    • Labrador City: 709-944-2621
    • Mount Pearl: 709-748-1016
    • Placentia: 709-227-2151
    • St. John’s SPCA: 709-726-0301 | Animal Control: Dial 311
    • Wabana Animal Control: 709-488-2990
  • Emergencies: Call 911

NOVA SCOTIA

ONTARIO

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

QUEBEC

  • SPCA Montreal: 514-735-2711 ext. 2230
  • Animal Abuse Hotline (Pets & Farm Animals): 1-844-ANIMAUX (1-844-264-6289)
  • SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergencies (Captive Wild/Exotic Animals): 1-800-463-2191
  • Online Complaint Form for Quebec
  • Emergencies: Call 911

SASKATCHEWAN

  • Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan: 306-382-0002
  • Regina Humane Society (for companion animals): 306-777-7700
  • Emergencies: Call 911

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NUNAVUT

YUKON

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