The short answer
Puppy-mill cases in Canada usually start with a complaint to the provincial animal-welfare authority or SPCA. That leads to an inspection, then orders to fix problems or removal of the animals, and sometimes charges under provincial law or the Criminal Code. Ontario's PUPS Act (2024) made operating a puppy mill an offence, with minimum fines of $10,000, or $25,000 when a dog dies.
How a case usually unfolds
- A complaint from a buyer, neighbour, vet or rescue
- An inspection by provincial inspectors or the SPCA
- Compliance orders, or removal of animals in distress
- Charges under provincial animal-welfare law, and in serious cases the Criminal Code (ss. 444–447)
- Court: fines, bans on owning animals, sometimes jail
How to report
- Ontario: Animal Welfare Services, 1-833-9-ANIMAL
- Quebec: MAPAQ, 1 844 ANIMAUX
- BC: BC SPCA, 1-855-622-7722
- Other provinces: see our law guide for the right agency
Frequently asked questions
Is running a puppy mill illegal in Canada?
Ontario's PUPS Act makes it an offence under the PAWS Act. Elsewhere, neglect and poor care are offences under provincial welfare laws and the Criminal Code.
Sources
- Ontario PAWS Act (e-Laws)
- Bill 159, PUPS Act, 2024
- Criminal Code (Justice Laws)
- Provincial law guide (PawTrace)
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