How much do you know about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society?

Did you know the Ontario SPCA has been in operation for 150 years? 

Over the last 150 years, the Ontario SPCA has directly impacted the lives of countless animals  through adoptions, community support services, humane education, animal rehabilitation, spay/neuter services and more!  

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society originally started as an organization caring for both children and animals. The Society was formed July 4, 1873 in Toronto. After 46 years of lobbying and hard work by the Ontario SPCA, the government of Ontario passed the first legislation to protect animals. In 1919, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was enacted. This legislation is now called the Provincial Animal Welfare Act and is enforced by the Province of Ontario through their Provincial Animal Welfare Services team. That advocacy work by the Ontario SPCA set the stage to create a better future for animals.   

Did you know the Ontario SPCA doesn’t investigate animal cruelty? 

In the province of Ontario, the government’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services agency investigates animal cruelty concerns. If you think an animal is in distress or is being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). You can also call your local police services. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society does not have the legal authority to investigate animal cruelty concerns 

Visit ontario.ca to learn more about animal welfare concerns.  

Did you know that the Ontario SPCA is NOT a government agency? 

The Ontario SPCA is often confused with government agencies. We are in fact a registered charity and not a government agency. According to Canada.ca, “registered charities are charitable organizations, public foundations, or private foundations that are created and resident in Canada. They must use their resources for charitable activities and have charitable purposes that fall into one or more of the following categories: 

• the relief of poverty 
• the advancement of education 
• the advancement of religion 
• other purposes that benefit the community.”

Did you know the Ontario SPCA does not receive government funding?  

As Ontario’s animal welfare charity, the Ontario SPCA is able to deliver core programs and services thanks to donations from caring donors like you. We rely on the generosity of our donors to operate. We do not receive government funding. 

Your donations demonstrate your trust in our volunteers and team members to carry out this critical work. And, in return, we are committed to transparency regarding how your donations are put into action. 

If you would like to donate to change the lives of animals in need, click here. 

If you would like more information about your charitable donations at work, please call us toll-free at 1-888-668-7722, ext. 321 or email donate@ontariospca.ca  

To learn more about the services the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society provides please visit our Community Support Services page.