MONTREAL—National animal law organization Animal Justice, along with The Fur Bearers, is disappointed after a Quebec Superior Court judge granted the Attorney General of Quebec’s motion to dismiss The Fur Bearers and Animal Justice’s application for judicial review before it could be heard on its merits.
The application for judicial review, filed in November 2025, argued that the provincial government’s failure to take any action to address unlawful animal suffering on fur farms is unreasonable despite knowing that the practice likely violates Québec’s animal welfare laws.
“The provincial government has known for years that conditions on fur farms do not meet these animals’ basic biological needs,” said Alanna Devine, Montreal-based lawyer and director of advocacy at Animal Justice. “We are disappointed this case was dismissed at a preliminary stage, especially given the ministry’s long-standing refusal to act.”
Internal documents show that officials at the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec have already recommended a complete ban on the fur farming industry, which has been in steady decline across Quebec and the rest of Canada for years.
“The reality remains the same,” said Lesley Fox, executive director of The Fur-Bearers. “We remain committed to exploring all possible avenues to protect these animals, and will determine our next steps shortly—unless the government chooses to follow the advice of its own experts.”
“While we were not successful in Court, Animal Justice and The Fur-Bearers will be reviewing this decision carefully in the coming days and considering all available options, including an appeal,” Ms. Devine said.
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