The Montreal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) issued a formal appeal on July 26, 2026, calling on both the city administration and private landlords to remove clauses that forbid tenants from keeping pets. The organization said the growing number of stray animals in the city is directly tied to rental agreements that prohibit pet ownership, a situation that the SPCA believes contributes to an increase in abandoned animals.
In its statement, the SPCA asked municipal officials to review existing housing policies and to work with property owners to create more pet‑friendly rental options. The group emphasized that eliminating these prohibitions would give renters a legal avenue to keep companions, reducing the likelihood that pets are left behind when tenants move.
The link between rental pet bans and animal abandonment is a central point of the SPCA’s campaign. When tenants are forced to choose between their housing and their pets, many opt to relinquish the animals, which then end up on the streets or in shelters. The SPCA reports that the influx of stray animals has risen noticeably in recent months, straining the organization’s capacity to care for and rehome the animals.
A seasonal pattern compounds the problem each year. Around Canada Day, a large number of residents relocate, often discarding belongings and, unintentionally, leaving behind pets. The resulting surge of stray animals is routinely brought to the SPCA for intake, adding to the already heightened demand for resources during that period.
The SPCA’s appeal also highlights the broader community impact of pet abandonment, noting that stray animals can pose public health and safety concerns. By encouraging landlords to adopt pet‑friendly policies, the organization hopes to curb the cycle of abandonment, reduce the number of animals entering shelters, and improve overall animal welfare in Montreal.
The society urges city officials to act promptly, suggesting that policy changes be considered before the next wave of summer moves. It remains hopeful that collaborative efforts between government, landlords, and residents will lead to a measurable decline in stray animal numbers in the coming months.