Animal Protection in Ontario
Effective January 2020, animal cruelty and neglect investigations in Ontario are handled by Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS).
To report animal abandonment, cruelty, neglect, or any animal welfare concern anywhere in Ontario, call 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).
This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When to Contact the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society Animal Services Team
Please contact the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society Animal Services Team for:
- Stray dogs or cats
- Dogs running at large or off leash
- Injured or orphaned wildlife
- Municipal animal-related concerns
- Report a dog bite/attack
- Humane outreach and education
Our phone number is 905-735-1552 x 3 and is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How We Work Together
The Niagara SPCA & Humane Society protects animals across our community through sheltering, humane care, advocacy, public education, and municipal bylaw enforcement.
While animal cruelty investigations are carried out by Provincial Animal Welfare Services, our team works in collaboration with provincial authorities to ensure animals are protected at both the local and provincial level.
Together, these efforts strengthen animal welfare and public safety across Niagara.
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)
Animal cruelty investigations are conducted by Animal Welfare Services (AWS) under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.Provincial
Animal Welfare Inspectors:
- Respond to public concerns
- Conduct inspections and investigations
- Issue orders requiring corrective action
- Provide education on animal care standards
When to call 9-1-1
Call 911 immediately if there is an urgent situation where any life is at risk, including:
- An animal attack causing serious injury to a person or another animal
- An active dog or cockfighting ring
- Ongoing acts of severe animal cruelty
- An animal left unattended in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold
What is Animal Cruelty?
Animal cruelty generally falls into two categories: neglect and intentional harm.
Neglect occurs when an animal is not provided with basic needs such as food, water, shelter, or medical care. This may include starvation, dehydration, untreated illness or injury, unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, or failure to address serious health concerns. Intentional harm involves deliberate actions that cause pain or suffering.
Some cases of neglect may result from lack of knowledge and can be addressed through education and compliance orders issued by Provincial Animal Welfare Inspectors.