OSPCA and cruelty information

Cruelty Investigations
 We investigate public complaints of animal cruelty and any other concern regarding the welfare of any animal with in Lanark county. Your complaint is completely confidential and will be treated as anonymous in most cases.

LAWS is an affiliate of the Ontario SPCA which is governed by the Ontario SPCA Act. Our Investigators are appointed under the Ontario SPCA Act and have the authority of a Police Officer while enforcing the laws which pertain to the welfare of animals.

Inspectors and Agents relieve animals from distress by making recommendations to the owner of the animal. Investigators may also issue OSPCA orders for the owner to take action to relieve distress and if necessary, they have the power to remove an animal from the owner in order to relieve distress.

In cases of cruelty or neglect, our Officers can and do lay criminal charges and Provincial charges against the accused person(s). There are several forms of abuse or neglect we investigate on a daily basis. We investigate all types of welfare issues including companion animals, farm animals exotic animals and wildlife.

Lack of food, water and shelter
By law, an owner must provide his animal with adequate and suitable food, water and shelter.

Failure to provide care
If an animal needs veterinary attention, it must be provided.

Neglected animals
Abandonment
Unsanitary conditions
Short lead length
Animals left unattended in vehicles

Abused animals
We investigate all reports of people physically abusing their animals.

To report an animal that is being abused or neglected call:
LAWS' Cruelty Line at (613) 283-9360.  All calls are confidential.
or email: investigations@lanarkanimals.ca

For more information please visit the following web sites

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculter and food<www.gov.on.ca/omafra>

• Ontario Farm Animal Council<www.ofac.org>

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency<www.inspection.gc.ca>

• Canadian Agri-Food Reasearch Council (Codes of Practice)<www.carc-crac.ca>

• DR. Temple Grandin's site<www.grandin.com>

• OSPCA Provincial Web Site<www.ospca.on.ca>