Nearly 90 Animals Rescued from Puppy Mill in Estrie Region of Quebec

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 16, 2015) - Nearly 90 animals from a large commercial breeder in the Estrie region of Quebec are now safe thanks to the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) and Humane Society International. The rescued animals include a variety of small breeds, including yorkies and bichons.

Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for HSI/Canada, said: "It never gets easier seeing animals treated like this. We can only hope that stronger animal protection laws being introduced in Quebec will give us the tools to make puppy mills history in this province."

Once removed from the premises, rescuers transported the animals to an emergency shelter where they received veterinary treatment and care from staff and volunteers. The owner may face charges under provincial animal welfare laws.
Humane Society International/Canada is always in need of volunteers to assist in caring for rescued animals. Members of the public who wish to assist us can visit hsicanada.ca/volunteer.

Anyone wishing to donate in support of our animal rescue efforts can visit our Animal Rescue Fund page.

Facts:

• In the past year, HSI/Canada has assisted with the seizure of nearly 300 dogs and cats kept in unacceptable conditions.
• Last February, HSI/Canada assisted the Quebec government in the seizure of 35 small-breed dogs that were kept outside in freezing conditions in a commercial breeding facility in the Bas-St-Laurent region in Quebec. All dogs have since been placed for adoption.
• Last April, HSI/Canada helped save 33 animals from a neglect situation in Mont-Laurier.
• Quebec provincial animal welfare laws require that all animals have access to food and water, are provided with suitable and clean living conditions, receive basic health care and are not subject to abuse or ill-treatment. Animals who are not receiving proper care can be seized from the owner.
• Recently, MAPAQ Minister Pierre Paradis introduced a bill to improve the well-being and welfare of animals. New proposed measures include heavy fines and jail time for offenders.

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International which, together with its partners, constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide - on the Web at www.hsicanada.ca