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TAKE ACTION AGAINST GAS CHAMBER EUTHANASIA
West Islanders – it’s time to speak up!! After the horrific revelation that a West Island pound uses a gas chamber for euthanasia, we must take action! Even if you don’t live in the Borough of Ile Bizard-Ste. Genevieve, but you live in the West Island, this affects you. Any pet in the West Island collected by this particular pound (including family pets that may go lost) can be legally euthanized via a Carbon Monoxide gas chamber after 5 days, unclaimed.
You have the power to change this cruel and inhumane practice now. Your MNA is your representative and works for you. Please find your MNA here (their e-mails are here too) and send them this letter (if you aren’t sure what your electoral division is called, find it via postal code here). Demand change on gas chamber euthanasia in your Borough. This form of utter cruelty must end now.
Thank you to the West Island Chronicle for their piece on this issue and to Alanna Devine from the SPCA for helping with these letters.
To: _________________
As a Montrealer, I am requesting that you speak loudly and clearly against the use of a Carbon Monoxide gas chamber to euthanize homeless animals. This is the method currently employed by Patrouille G.L. Canine pound in the Borough of Ile Bizard-Ste. Genevieve. Ile Bizard-Ste. Genevieve is the only West Island district to maintain a contract with Patrouille G.L. Canine.
Shelters or pounds who euthanize animals must be obligated to ensure that employees are technically proficient, competent, skilled, compassionate, properly trained, and doing everything in their power to make sure the animals are as free from stress and anxiety as possible. The use of a gas chamber does not allow this.
The use of a gas chamber for young, pregnant or injured animals is strictly prohibited as their lowered intake of air often results in immense suffering and death by suffocation, and yet there is no evidence that Patrouille G.L. employs any other means for the death of these animals. Gas chambers have also been condemned by humane advocates and progressive shelters and veterinary associations. They have been outlawed in several states and there is a movement worldwide to stop their use.
I am asking that you listen to the voices of your citizens and that one of the following actions is taken immediately::
1. Patrouille G.L. Canine must hire the services of a veterinarian (or enter into an agreement with a local vet clinic) to euthanize animals via an injection of sodium pentobarbital.
2. Patrouille G.L. Canine must employ a full-time veterinarian to humanely euthanize animals via an injection of sodium pentobarbital.
3. The contractual relationship with Patrouille G.L. is terminated immediately and an animal control contract which requires a more humane alternative is procured.
I would appreciate that you respond to my letter to advise me of how you will be proceeding.
Sincerely,
___________________
TAKE ACTION AGAINST PUPPY MILLS IN QUEBEC
Quebec has the unfortunate reputation of being the so-called “puppy mill capital of North America”. Because of the covert nature of such operations, exact numbers are difficult to obtain, but it is estimated that there are anywhere from 1200 – 2000 puppy mills in this province alone. The business of selling dogs can be lucrative and the enforcement of adequate punishments is at present, minimal for offenders in Quebec. Thus, the cycle continues, leaving thousands of animals to pay a cruel price, often with their lives.
Your Member of the National Assembly speaks on behalf of provincial legislation, which is where your voice will make the most difference in enforcing animal cruelty laws. Find your MNA here using your electoral division and send them the template letter below:
To: _________________
As a Quebecer I am requesting that you speak loudly and clearly against Puppy Mills in Quebec and take immediate steps to either shut down or institute stiff regulations for their control.
The Provincial Animal Welfare legislation (The Animal health Protection Act, RSQ P-42, Division IV) in Quebec is currently enforced by the Quebec Minister of Agriculture, who has mandated a group called ‘Anima-Quebec’ to enforce P-42 in businesses/breeders providing animals for the pet industry – The recent seizures of hundreds of dogs from puppy mills, and the continued existence of these mills are evidence enough that Agriculture Quebec and ‘Anima Quebec have been unsuccessful in eliminating puppy mills in this Province.
We would prefer that Puppy Mills be abolished – along with the sale of animals in Pet Stores. However, at the very least:
1. The mandate needs to be removed from Agriculture Quebec and ‘Anima’ and put under the Ministry of Justice Justice – for an immediate response to reports of cruelty and neglect- and shutting down these facilities and ensuring justice in a court of law for these animals
2. These Puppy Mills and anyone dealing in the ‘animal industry’ should have to abide by strict standards and guidelines to be able to operate. We must implement a permit system and database and send a message to abusers that Quebec will not stand for this mistreatment of animals.
3. Law P42 (Provincial) must be adhered to and enforced – at present it is ignored.
Quebec is now referred to as The Puppy Mill Capital of North America – this is not something to be proud of. I urge you to take immediate steps to implement and enforce stricter laws and wipe this blight from our province.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
____________________
