MONTREAL—On Thursday, July 9, Animal Justice will be in Quebec Superior Court, pushing back on behalf of suffering animals as the Government of Quebec tries to shut down a lawsuit that could potentially spell an end to the cruel practice of fur farming.
In November, Animal Justice and The Fur Bearers filed an application for judicial review in Quebec Superior Court, arguing 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.
Government documents obtained by the Montreal SPCA show that since at least 2022, officials at Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) have warned that conditions on the province’s fox and mink fur farms do not meet the biological needs of the animals and the industry does not ensure for their welfare. Officials acknowledged that the conditions on fur farms likely run contrary to provincial laws.
An internal government report accordingly recommends that fur farming be banned. Officials also acknowledge a ban would have no economic impact as the industry is in steep decline. Quebec’s animal welfare law includes a requirement for fur farms to obtain a permit, but that provision has never been brought into force.
On Thursday, the Government of Quebec will seek to have the case dismissed rather than defend the province’s failure to take any steps to oversee or ban fur farming, leaving vulnerable animals to endure extreme physical and psychological suffering.
Hearing details:
Thursday, July 9, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Superior Court of Quebec (1 Notre-Dame East St Montreal)
Courtroom 208 (Room will be assigned from there)
Alanna Devine, Lawyer and Director of Advocacy at Animal Justice, will be available for interviews in French and English
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Alanna Devine
Lawyer and Director of Advocacy
[email protected]