MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 24, 2011) - Humane Society International/Canada applauds the Campbell's Bay courthouse in western Quebec for awarding legal custody of more than 600 severely neglected dogs and puppies to ANIMA-Québec, following their rescue from the largest commercial breeding operation in Canada. HSI/Canada has been helping care for the dogs and puppies for more than two months at an emergency shelter near Montreal while awaiting a hearing to determine their custody.

"We are elated with the decision made here today," said Lauren Scott, campaigner for Humane Society International/Canada. "This was not only the largest dog rescue in Canadian history, but it also involved some of the most inhumane conditions that our Animal Rescue Team has ever encountered. To have witnessed firsthand the horrific conditions these dogs had been forced to live in at this breeding operation, and to now know that they can be placed into the loving homes they so deeply deserve is incredible. This also sends a strong message to unethical breeders who put profits above animal welfare that Quebecers will no longer tolerate this cruelty."

A settlement was reached between the parties, which granted legal custody of the more than 600 dogs and puppies to the Quebec government. HSI/Canada can now immediately begin the process of adopting out all of the dogs and puppies after they have all been spayed or neutered.

HSI/Canada, in partnership with the Quebec government and local law enforcement, rescued the dogs and puppies from a commercial breeding operation in Outaouais, Quebec in September of this year. The animals were seized after multiple investigations indicated the animals were not receiving proper care.

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, representing tens of thousands of members and constituents across the country. HSI/Canada has active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation and farm animal welfare. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International - one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world, with more than eleven million members and constituents globally - on the web at hsicanada.ca.