Position Statements

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society has been advocating for the welfare of animals in our communities since 1936. OMHS has established position statements on the following animal welfare issues:

Animals in Entertainment

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) opposes entertainment that involves the abuse of animals from any breed or species. When animals are involved in entertainment, they must be treated humanely at all times and be transported in a safe and humane way that includes preventing injury, provides ample space, frequent stops for natural exercise and rest, appropriate provision of food and water, temperature, air quality, cleanliness and hygiene needs.   

OMHS recognizes that many entertainment organizations and sporting competitions are a part of our society and culture, and it is a reality that animals will continue to be used in these venues. As a result, we support continuous improvements in animal welfare legislation that support their health and wellbeing.  

In addition, OMHS believes that all training methods should be humane and based on positive reinforcement techniques.  We also believe that humane retirement plans should be in place for each animal, and do not condone when animals are retired to facilities with low standards of care or facilities such as research labs and slaughter houses.  

NOTE: As animals in entertainment and sport includes a large list of venues and uses, there may be specific exclusions noted in other positions statements.

Cosmetic and Elective Procedures: Tail Docking, Ear Cropping, and Declawing

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) opposes elective surgical procedures performed on animals for cosmetic purposes. These procedures include, but not limited to, tail docking, ear cropping, debarking and declawing.

OMHS believes that breed standards should be altered to remove cosmetic procedures as a requirement for competition.

The OMHS is opposed to the declawing of cats. This procedure involves surgical amputation of the last digital bone on each toe. Long term effects can include chronic pain, lameness and pain in other areas due to altered gait. Some cats may also exhibit behavioural problems. Instead OMHS support alternatives to declawing such as nail caps.

OMHS supports the implementation of laws banning these procedures as other provinces and countries have adopted:

  • 35+ countries have adopted tail docking bans
  • Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia have made tail docking and ear cropping illegal
  • 35+ countries have adopted declawing bans

Ontario is the only province in Canada that has not banned declawing.

Farmed Animals

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) supports the humane husbandry of farmed animals and believes that at every step of an animal’s life, from birth to death, they must be treated with compassion, protected from suffering and provided with the five freedoms.

OMHS is supportive of legislation that advances the welfare of farmed animals and improves methods for raising, housing, care, transport, handling, and slaughter of farmed animals.

Pediatric Spay Neuter

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) supports pediatric (8+ weeks) spay-neuter of dogs and cats in the care of an animal shelter as part of a comprehensive, non-lethal, population control strategy, as long as the animal meets appropriate qualifications (eg weight requirements, healthy etc).

Numerous studies have demonstrated the medical soundness of early-age spay-neuter procedures, including safe anesthetic and surgical techniques, shorter and less complicated surgeries, and faster recovery times. There is also strong evidence for a decrease or elimination of common conditions such as pyometra, mammory tumors, testicular and ovarian tumors, as well as undesired behaviours such as marking or aggression.

In the case of privately-owned dogs and cats who are not free roaming, the decision to spay or neuter should be based on professional advice provided by the owner’s veterinarian. For shelters, the current veterinary literature indicates that pediatric spay-neuter is safe, effective, has long term health and behavioural benefits and effectively combats overpopulation of unowned dogs and cats.

Responsible Cat Ownership

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) strongly supports the concept of responsible pet ownership, where guardians ensure the health and well being of their cat, as well as their safety.

The OMHS believes that a responsible cat ownership encompasses:

  • Research about a prospective companion cat before adding them to your home
  • Obtaining cats from a reputable source, including a shelter, rescue or responsible breeder
  • Appropriate housing, nutrition, grooming, exercise and mental stimulation
  • Regular veterinary care
  • Spaying/neutering to reduce cat overpopulation
  • Human interaction on a daily basis
  • Safe and secure confinement to owner’s property and under control when off owner’s property
  • Proper identification (ID tag and/or microchip)
  • Adherence to municipal animal control bylaws

The OMHS believes that cats should remain indoors. If owners are providing outdoor access, it must be limited to cat-safe enclosures or supervised excursions on a properly fitted harness and leash. Indoor cats have a much longer life expectancy and enjoy better health. Their psychological wellbeing can be safely met indoors through safe resting places and vertical spaces, simulated hunting opportunities, and enrichment games / playing.

Responsible Companion Animal Sourcing

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) supports the responsible sourcing of companion animals. 

OMHS advocates for individuals to first consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations. We also support the purchase of companion animals from breeders who prioritize welfare in their animal care and breeding practices.  

OMHS encourages pet stores to partner with a shelter or rescue organizations to implement an adoption model that prioritizes animal welfare through the rehoming process. We do not condone the selling of dogs, cats or rabbits in pet stores due to their socialization, care and enrichment needs. Where pet stores sell small pets including, but not limited to, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and small birds, OMHS believes that the store should maintain a high level of care and housing.  

Responsible Dog Ownership

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) strongly supports the concept of responsible pet ownership, where guardians ensure the health and well being of their dog, as well as their safety.

The OMHS believes that a responsible dog ownership encompasses:

  • Research about a prospective companion dog, including fit with your lifestyle, before adding them to your home
  • Obtaining dogs from a reputable source, including a shelter, rescue or responsible breeder
  • Appropriate housing, nutrition, grooming, exercise and mental stimulation
  • Regular veterinary care
  • Spaying/neutering to reduce overpopulation
  • Appropriate training and socialization
  • Safe and secure confinement to owner’s property and under control when off owner’s property
  • Proper identification (ID tag and/or microchip)
  • Responsible interactions with people and pets
  • Adherence to municipal animal control bylaws
Use of Animals in Circuses

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) is opposed to the capture, training and use of wild and exotic animals for circuses or travelling exhibitions. Although most of the animals used in these shows are captive-bred, many retain the natural instincts of their species and have unique care and enrichment needs.  

Providing the five freedoms to captive wild or exotic animals is very challenging and the transitory nature of circuses or exhibitions makes it impossible to ensure that the psychological, emotional, and behavioural needs of the animals are consistently met.  

Furthermore, the training methods used to make wild or exotic animals perform tricks that are not in their nature are often inhumane, inflicting both physical and emotional pain and suffering.  Temporary and unsuitable housing, long transportation times and poor transportation conditions are all serious concerns faced by travelling animals  

position statement