The City of Cote St Luc exploits animals and brags about it.  “Frolicking” sometimes means the horses have a stomachache.  No one showed up at the protest and the community was extremely ignorant about this.  This event should not be a roaring success.   

Nicole,

While I appreciate your passion, I would request that your refrain from the incessant emails on the subject. I have received and responded to your email. We are very happy with today's event as was planned and I assure you we will continue to plan similar events. 
The population thoroughly enjoyed the dog sledding and calèche rides. There were lineups and excitement for all the events. It was a lot of fun, and the animals were well cared for and even frolicked around. 
While you have one point of view, I appreciate you sharing it, it was considered and I hope you to respect that there are different opinions on various subjects. 
We are a public council and transparency is key element to me, but I will not allow the harassment by email to continue. Fill in your petitions, contact me as you wish, but please keep it professional and with decorum. 

Kind Regards,

David Tordjman

Mayor of Cote Saint-Luc.

Tourisme Quebec is not an animal protection agency.  A social worker works with humans, not animals.  A biologist and kinesiologist are not veterinarians. These animals are likely mistreated outside the three hour event.  There is no oversight on these unregulated industries.  “Stew” is often a mix of all sorts of junk, and huskies are no different than any other dog.  They often suffer in the cold.  The horses are no different than other horses.  Neither animals are designed for pulling heavy objects, especially on a full stomach.  They are not athletes.  They are the same as a pet dog or pet horse.  

Dear Ms. Corrado,

We thank you for your email and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

As animal lovers ourselves, we certainly understand and the city would like to reassure you that the care and wellbeing of animals is of the utmost importance to us.

This event is a three-hour, community-based experience designed to introduce families to the joy of animals and to highlight the importance of responsible and respectful animal care.

As a city, our situation differs in that this is a one-time event supported by strict care practices. We work exclusively with organizations vetted through Tourisme Québec, which upholds very high standards for animal welfare and operations. In addition, we observe both the owners and the animals directly and can confidently assure you that all animals involved are treated with immense care, respect, and affection.

The horse on site is specifically bred and well-suited for colder weather. We have come to learn from their care takers that some horses can experience difficulty adjusting to retirement from farm work, and that participating in low-impact community events allows them to remain engaged without physical strain. This perspective reinforces that animal wellbeing extends beyond physical needs alone. In addition, the horses receive frequent breaks along our short trail (less than 1km) and are regularly treated with apples and carrots.
Important to note: Should temperatures fall below -20°C, the horses will not participate and will remain at home in warm conditions.

Regarding the dog sledding activity, the dogs are highly trained huskies who thrive in cold environments and are eager to run with purpose. We have spent considerable time with this organization and partner with them exclusively due to the clear dedication and care they demonstrate toward their animals. The city invests heavily in ensuring multiple dog teams are available so that all dogs receive ample rest. Lead dogs are rotated every 15–20 minutes, and breaks are enforced even when the dogs are eager to continue. We also prepare and maintain a groomed path to provide additional support for their paws. Midway through the event and again at the end, the dogs are provided with a freshly cooked stew prepared on site by the owner, who prioritizes feeding and hydrating the dogs. The support team and trainers of the dogs are incredibly knowledgeable and kind, they consist of a biologist, a kinesiologist, and a social worker all who will be on site.  They equally offer education for animal welfare and support the need for a mission for the dogs.  The animals are considered as professional athletes; they are cherished not punished.  

Rest assured, the city remains committed to ensuring all animals are treated with respect, compassion, and care.

Thank you,

Cornelia Ziga

Director / Directrice
Recreation Department 

Department des loisirs
 
 
514.485.6806 x7021
 
 
cziga@cotesaintluc.org
 
 
514.485.8629
 
Ville de • City of Côte Saint-Luc
7500, Mackle, Côte Saint-Luc (Québec) H4W 1A6

Indigenous people today ride the bus, train, Metro, cars, snowmobiles, etc.  Dog sledding is no longer used as a form of transportation.  To suggest so is ignorance.

Dear Ms. Corrado,

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and concerns. I appreciate the care and conviction behind your message, and I want to assure you that animal welfare is something I take seriously.

That said, I am very comfortable with the manner in which animals are being used in this context, and with the approach we are proceeding with now and into the foreseeable future.

In my professional work, I collaborate closely with Inuit communities who rely on animals for similar purposes. In those contexts, animals are treated with deep respect, extreme care, and a strong sense of responsibility. Their use is rooted in tradition, stewardship, and an understanding of the animals’ needs and limits. That same philosophy guides our work here.

We also work with a contractor who genuinely loves his animals and demonstrates that care consistently through their handling, treatment, and overall wellbeing. This is not a situation where animals are viewed as expendable or disposable assets; they are cared for attentively and responsibly.

While I acknowledge that there are differing views on the use of animals in modern settings, after careful consideration, observation, and experience, I remain confident that the practices in place are appropriate, humane, and aligned with our values. For these reasons, I am comfortable continuing in this manner.

I appreciate you reaching out and engaging respectfully on this issue, even where we do not ultimately share the same conclusion.

Thank you,
David Tordjman
Mayor of Cote Saint-Luc