Thank you. While Vaughan Animal Services can monitor the welfare of animals in the city of Vaughan, VAS can not monitor how the carriage horses are treated on the farm or at other venues. There is no legal oversight regarding how carriage horses are treated. These events also promote the use of animals for entertainment, using them as tools rather than sentient being. Please either have an animal free event next year, or bring some of your adoptable animals to meet and greet people, promoting animal adoption.
On Monday, February 9, 2026 at 02:23:36 p.m. EST, Dawn Matthew <dawn.matthew@vaughan.ca> wrote:
Good afternoon, Nicole,
Thank you for your detailed correspondence. Your continued advocacy for animal welfare is sincerely appreciated.
The welfare of animals remains a primary consideration in all decisions made by the City. In instances where animals are permitted, such approvals are granted only with appropriate oversight to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. Please be assured that your concerns have been duly noted and will be taken into consideration in future discussions.
Thank you,
Dawn Matthew
Supervisor, Animal Control
905-832-2281, Ext.3696 I dawn.matthew@vaughan.ca
Animal Services Shelter Location
70 Tigi Court, Unit 47, Vaughan, ON L4K 5E4
City of Vaughan I By-Law & Compliance, Licencing & Permit Services
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
RESPECT │ ACCOUNTABILITY │ DEDICATION