The SPCA excuse claiming this killing was based on a municipal regulation requirement
Unfortunately, a great deal of incomplete or inaccurate information about his euthanasia has been circulating on social media. We feel it is important to clarify the facts.
Despite the many messages we received, no one came to the SPCA to take responsibility for Sky's care, although we were willing to discuss potential options with interested individuals. Furthermore, following the most recent biting incident, and in accordance with municipal regulations, we were no longer legally permitted to transfer Sky to any individual or organization other than the municipal authorities.
Even before coming into our care, Sky had a complex behavioural history, including several biting incidents of varying severity. Since his arrival last April, his condition had progressively deteriorated. Sky exhibited extremely high reactivity toward other dogs, frequent and intense vocalizations, and a constant state of hypervigilance. We also observed troubling signs of declining welfare: he had begun relieving himself in his kennel, something he had never done before, and no longer even seemed to recognize certain staff members with whom he had previously formed bonds. These behaviours reflected a significant and persistent state of distress.
This deterioration, combined with another serious biting incident last week, raised growing concerns about the safety of those caring for him and whether he could safely be placed in a new home.
Every possible alternative was explored, including those proposed within the last 72 hours. Unfortunately, none of the options considered proved realistic or feasible given Sky's behavioural profile, his needs, the risks associated with his care, the applicable regulations, and his increasing distress, which made it impossible to extend his stay at the shelter any longer.
The decision to end an animal's life carries an enormous responsibility, one that we take very seriously at the Montreal SPCA. Euthanasia is reserved for animals with severe behavioural issues that pose a threat to public safety, animals who arrive in our care dying or seriously ill, or those whose quality of life is no longer acceptable.
However, a shelter remains a stressful environment for animals, and prolonged stays can negatively affect their mental and physical well-being. In some cases, we must consider euthanasia for this reason, when all possible placement options have been exhausted without success and there is no prospect of finding a suitable placement in the future.
This difficult decision is made only as a last resort, following a rigorous assessment process involving several members of our team, including veterinarians and animal behaviour specialists.
Please know that we make every effort to avoid reaching such an irreversible decision. Our veterinarians, animal health technicians, behaviour specialists, animal care attendants, adoption counsellors, and trained volunteers work tirelessly together to reduce animals' stress, meet their needs, and support their rehabilitation. Every possible avenue is considered for the animals in our care.
Like you, our community, and our donors, our team is made up of people who are deeply committed to animals. Their welfare and quality of life remain our highest priorities, alongside our responsibility to protect public safety.
As a reminder, the Montreal SPCA helped more than 1,800 dogs get a second chance at life in 2025, with an average shelter stay of just 9.7 days.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Tommy Varin-Marion (he)
Campaigns Coordinator
Animal Advocacy and Government Affairs
SPCA de Montréal
tvarinmarion@spcamontreal.com
514-735-2711 | Extension 2305