Montreal SPCA calls for pet-friendly rental rules as abandonments rise
Montreal pet rental restrictions are fueling more animal surrenders at the SPCA See why Quebec is being urged to change landlord pet bans and ease the crisis
Montreal’s main animal welfare group is asking Quebec to remove rental restrictions that prohibit pets, saying the issue is worsening the number of animals being surrendered.
The Montreal SPCA says it has been taking in more abandoned animals than usual this month, with intake running at more than twice its typical daily level and some days reaching as many as 70 surrenders. Executive director Sylvie Bourbonnière said the surge began shortly before Canada Day.
The organization says many landlords in Montreal either strongly limit pets or refuse to rent to people who have them, which makes housing harder to find and adds pressure on SPCA staff, volunteers, and finances.