Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
As a community-supported organization, the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton (HSOMH) is committed to transparency, leadership, and compassion in animal welfare. These position statements outline our official stance on key topics — so you know where we stand, and what we stand for.
HSOMH opposes entertainment that involves the abuse of animals from any breed or species. When animals are involved in entertainment, they must be treated humanely at all times and be transported in a safe and humane way, including injury prevention, ample space, frequent rest stops, proper food and water, and attention to temperature, air quality, cleanliness, and hygiene.
HSOMH recognizes that many entertainment organizations and sporting competitions are part of our society and culture, and it is a reality that animals will continue to be used in these venues. As a result, we support continuous improvements in animal welfare legislation to support their health and well-being.
In addition, HSOMH believes that all training methods should be humane and based on positive reinforcement techniques. We also believe that humane retirement plans should be in place for each animal and do not condone retiring animals to facilities with low standards of care, such as research labs or slaughterhouses.
Note: As animals in entertainment and sport include a large list of venues and uses, there may be specific exclusions noted in other position statements.
HSOMH opposes elective surgical procedures performed on animals for cosmetic purposes. These procedures include, but are not limited to, tail docking, ear cropping, debarking, and declawing.
HSOMH believes breed standards should be altered to remove cosmetic procedures as a requirement for competition.
HSOMH also opposes the declawing of cats. This procedure involves the surgical amputation of the last digital bone on each toe. Long-term effects can include chronic pain, lameness, and altered gait. Some cats may also develop behavioural problems. Instead, HSOMH supports alternatives to declawing, such as nail caps.
We also support the implementation of laws banning these procedures, as seen in other provinces and countries:
HSOMH supports the humane husbandry of farmed animals and believes that at every step of an animal’s life, from birth to death, they must be treated with compassion, protected from suffering, and provided with the Five Freedoms.
We support legislation that advances the welfare of farmed animals and improves standards around raising, housing, care, transport, handling, and slaughter.
HSOMH supports pediatric (8+ weeks) spay/neuter of dogs and cats in the care of an animal shelter as part of a comprehensive, non-lethal population control strategy, as long as the animal meets appropriate qualifications (e.g., weight requirements, overall health, etc.).
Numerous studies demonstrate the medical soundness of early-age spay/neuter procedures, including:
A reduction or elimination of common conditions such as pyometra, mammary tumours, testicular and ovarian tumours, and undesired behaviours such as marking or aggression
For privately owned pets that are not free-roaming, spay/neuter decisions should be based on professional advice from the pet’s veterinarian. For shelter animals, current veterinary literature supports pediatric spay/neuter as safe, effective, and beneficial for long-term health and population management.
HSOMH strongly supports the concept of responsible pet ownership, where guardians ensure the health, well-being, and safety of their cats.
Responsible cat ownership includes:
HSOMH believes that cats should remain indoors. If outdoor access is provided, it should be limited to cat-safe enclosures or supervised outings with a properly fitted harness and leash. Indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives. Their emotional needs can be met indoors through safe resting areas, vertical spaces, simulated hunting activities, and enrichment play.
HSOMH supports the responsible sourcing of companion animals.
We encourage individuals to first consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations. We also support breeders who prioritize animal welfare in their care and breeding practices.
HSOMH encourages pet stores to partner with shelters or rescue organizations to create adoption programs that prioritize animal welfare. We do not condone the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits in pet stores due to their complex social, enrichment, and care needs.
Where pet stores sell small animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, birds), we expect a high standard of care and housing.
HSOMH strongly supports responsible dog ownership, where guardians ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of their dogs.
Responsible dog ownership includes:
HSOMH opposes the capture, training, and use of wild or exotic animals for circuses and traveling exhibitions.
While many animals used in these venues are captive-bred, they retain natural instincts and have unique physical and psychological needs that are difficult to meet in a transient environment.
Providing the Five Freedoms to captive wild animals is nearly impossible in the context of traveling shows. Issues include:
HSOMH stands firmly against any form of entertainment that compromises animal welfare for human amusement.
