The Montreal SPCA is urging the province and landlords to end or change rental rules that prevent pets from being housed, saying the restrictions contribute to more abandoned animals. Multiple outlets report that the call comes as the organization’s tally of animals found or surrendered as abandoned rises around Canada Day, a period described as a seasonal peak when many people move. The SPCA links pet-barring clauses and “no pets” policies to a pattern of animals being left behind during moves, instead of being surrendered through regular channels.
The organization’s message focuses on the effect of housing rules on animal welfare rather than individual incidents. It argues that when pet ownership is discouraged or prohibited in rentals, owners may have fewer realistic options if they relocate or if leases end, leading to animals being abandoned. The SPCA is calling for policy changes to reduce barriers to keeping pets in rental housing, with the goal of lowering the number of animals that end up abandoned in the city.
