MONTREAL - The images displayed in a recent hidden camera exposé were so shocking that animal lovers felt they had no choice.
Veterinarians and animals rights activists have created a Montreal-based umbrella group called Regroupement pour la Protection des Animaux du Quebec (R-PAQ) to lobby for an end to animal cruelty.
The group's first target is the callous treatment of animals that are destined for death.
They want the city of Montreal to cut all ties with Berger Blanc.
Instead of contracting out animal control duties, they want city workers to take over the responsibility of catching, housing, and if necessary euthanizing the 50,000 stray animals that are picked up in Montreal every year.
Alanna Devine, who works for the Montreal SPCA, says animal control should be considered an essential service.
"The amount of money that's being spent is abysmal, and it does need to budgeted like any other service," said Devine.
"But we have to take into account that a properly run animal service also generates revenue through licensing and fines paid for bylaws dealing with animal issues."
Members of the umbrella group say it's long been known that Montreal and Quebec have serious problems with animal overpopulation.
They feel that a non-profit group would be better equipped to deal with strays, and to convince people to sterilize their pets.
R-PAQ members include the Montreal SPCA, Humane Society International Canada, Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (CAACQ), Animal Alliance of Canada, the Associatoin of Animal Health Technicians of Quebec, and Citizens Responsible for Companion Animals.
They would also like to see would-be pet owners adopting animals, instead of buying them from pet stores and breeders.
Shocking story
The Radio-Canada Enquete investigation into the Berger Blanc pound portrayed animals being thrown around, kept in small cages, and injected with drugs. Veterinarians say many of the practices captured on tape were inappropriate.
The scenes prompted the boroughs of NDG-Cote des Neiges and Plateau-Mont Royal to cancel their contracts with Berger Blanc.
The Montreal SPCA is now responsible for collecting and dealing with animals in those neighbourhoods.
