In the Montérégie region of Quebec, a troubling incident unfolded when a stray cat attacked a woman, resulting in injuries and a rabies exposure for her and two others. The incident, involving a rabid cat who was eventually captured by paramedics, injuring the paramedics in the process, highlights a grave issue in our community: the lack of adequate animal care facilities and humane protocols for dealing with stray animals.

As someone who lives in Quebec, I have personally witnessed the dire state of animal welfare services in our province.

Currently, there are no dedicated humane shelters for cats—only minimal stray hold shelters that are primarily for dogs and barely more than small, inadequate facilities. This gap in resources is exacerbated by the absence of essential programs such as spay and neuter clinics or vaccine clinics, which are vital in controlling the stray population and preventing the spread of diseases like rabies.

This recent attack is more than just an isolated incident. It's a call to action. The painful truth is that, without proper infrastructure and compassionate protocols, both animals and people remain at risk. We are failing our community and the creatures we share it with.

The story of the rabid cat, rumoured to have been stepped on, after they bit the paramedics, mummy wrapped in a towel, and allegedly placed into a biohazard bag while still alive—should awaken us to the immediate need for change. 

It is probable that the paramedics were actually trying to save the cat; the biohazard bag may have been used as an oxygen mask and restraint.  We request that paramedics, like firefighters, have oxygen masks and cages for animals, plus animal first aid training.  The cat and the elderly women were both patients in desperate need of medical attention.  

The terrified cat was brought for treatment to an open admission veterinary clinic. The veterinarian there noticed the cat was biting because they were terminally ill and in pain. The cat was humanely euthanized, so at least they had love in the end and a peaceful death.   

While the veterinarian isn't named, we thank them for providing the cat dignity and a gentle death, making their last day a day where they finally were loved. 

All animals deserve to be loved and treated as family.  We need open admission 24 hour shelters so all animals can receive love and care, and so we can prevent more tragic preventable deaths of animals.  

The elderly woman involved now faces the distress of undergoing rabies vaccinations and lifelong psychological trauma, and a life of this poor cat was needlessly lost.  This whole ordeal could have been spared with preventative measures.

We must urge the Quebec government and local authorities to invest in proper 24/7 open admission shelter facilities that accommodate stray cats, establish free or low-cost spay/neuter programs, and ensure regular vaccine clinics. 

Additionally, protocols for handling potentially rabid or aggressive animals must prioritize humane treatment and public safety.  Proper training and resources for first responders are critical to ensure humane and effective responses in similar encounters.

By addressing these gaps, we not only protect public health but also promote a community that values compassion and responsibility. Please sign this petition to demand immediate government action and the establishment of comprehensive animal welfare policies in Quebec.