Animal Services

What happens when I call?

1. Call representatives at the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre will file an incident ticket and connect you with the appropriate local contact.
2. Based on the location and nature of the incident:
   1. the ticket may be flagged for further investigation with the appropriate authorities such as a provincial inspector or local police,
   2. after the incident ticket is reviewed by the appropriate authority, they may investigate on-site or involve other authorities, as needed. If more information is required, you may be contacted directly.

Please note that the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre is unable to provide updates on calls or investigations. You may be contacted by authorities only if more information is required. 

Penalties for committing acts of animal cruelty

Ontario has very strong penalties against animal cruelty. For example, it is an offence to:

• cause or permit distress to an animal
• cause harm or attempt to cause harm to a law enforcement or a service animal
• knowingly or recklessly cause an animal to be exposed to undue risk of distress
• promote, arrange, receive a financial benefit from, train, or permit animals to fight other animals
• own or possess equipment or structures used in animal fighting or in training animals to fight
• fail to comply with any applicable standards of care
• obstruct an inspector or agent

As of January 1, 2020, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act has replaced the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act.

• Basic standards of care that apply to all animals covered under the act, include requirements for:
• adequate and appropriate food, water, medical attention and care
• ventilation, light and protection from the elements, including harmful temperatures
• sanitary conditions and space to enable natural movement and exercise
• pens or enclosed structures
• humane euthanasia to minimize pain and distress to animals
• transportation in a manner that ensures an animal's physical safety and general welfare

There are some exceptions to the above-listed offences related to causing distress and complying with standards of care, including hunting wildlife. A full list of exemptions can be found in the PAWS Act and its regulations.

Ontario also has additional standards of care for animals in unique circumstances like dogs that live outdoors.

Committing an offence under the PAWS Act can result in sentences that may include up to two years in jail, fines of up to $130,000 against an individual on a first offence, or up to $500,000 against a corporation on a first offence, and a lifetime ban on animal ownership, as well as other penalties.