https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article991686.html

Living in Beaconsfield, Quebec, as a civilian working with the Toronto Police Services Missing and Missed Implementation Team, I am deeply committed to the intersection of human and animal rights. As a vegan, I am acutely aware of how these issues overlap. On Father's Day, a heartrending case has presented itself that highlights this intersection: three-year-old Claire and her dog Hazel were allegedly abandoned by their mother near a gift shop in the Coteau du Lac and Vaudrueil area.  They were reported missing and police were diligently looking for her.  Alongside this despairing situation, Claire's beloved brown Chihuahua Hazel was found dead near Highway 30.  Thankfully Claire was found alive and well in Ontario a few days later.  https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/local-crime/article995464.html

This tragic incident underscores a compelling and urgent need for action. Studies have shown a direct link between treatments of animals and treatment of children. However, the collaboration between missing persons police units and municipal patrols, along with shelter systems, in such cases is lacking in efficiency and effectiveness. While the Vaudreuil area has resources like SPCA West, much of the area relies on municipal patrols, and a pet hotel, that lack enforceable power under the Criminal Code. This shortcoming is compounded by Canada's weak animal protection laws. Quebec has no provincial SPCA, and animals are currently governed under the agricultural sector at the provincial level.

We thank police for sending Claire to place Claire back in a loving environment with her caring father.  And, Hazel, her deceased Chihuahua deserves to be remembered. 

It’s vital that missing persons units work synergistically with municipal patrols and shelter institutions to ensure swift and comprehensive responses in situations involving missing persons, abandoned children, and abandoned animals.  We would like the province to have an Animal Protection Ministry.  We would also like stronger provincial and federal laws.  We would like animals to be considered legal persons, not property.

By fortifying the collaboration between these crucial entities and pushing for stronger enforcement powers, we can prevent such tragedies from repeating. Let's rally together towards justice for her innocent pet. 

Sign this petition to demand an enhanced cooperative effort between police, municipal bodies, and animal shelters to protect the innocent and bring safety to victims like Claire and Hazel, her cherished Chihuahua.