Media Advisory: HSI Canada and MAPAQ Update on Condition of 125 Dogs Rescued from Inhumane Commercial Breeding Operation

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - April 4, 2012) -

WHAT: Humane Society International/Canada and Le ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) will hold a press conference to update the public on the condition of the 125 dogs rescued from inhumane conditions at a commercial breeding operation in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, located south of Quebec City.

WHO: HSI Canada Animal Rescue Team and MAPAQ

WHEN: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 1:30 p.m. (13h 30)

WHERE: Emergency shelter 805 Chemin Béthany, Lachute, Quebec

HOW: To download video or photographs from the Quebec dog rescue, please contact Dean Pogas at 514-261-6007.

Background: On March 23 Humane Society International/Canada worked with MAPAQ in coordination with ANIMA Québec to rescue more than 125 dogs from a commercial breeding operation in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, located south of Quebec City. The animals were seized and removed after multiple investigations indicated the dogs were not receiving proper care.

This is the second time HSI Canada is assisting the Quebec government in seizing dogs from an inhumane commercial breeding operation. Last year, HSI Canada assisted the Quebec government with the historic rescue of more than 500 dogs from Canada's largest commercial breeding operation near Shawville, Quebec.

Recently MAPAQ introduced newly proposed animal cruelty penalties, as part of the updated P-42 (Quebec Animal Health Protection Act) regulations. For three years, HSI Canada has been a part of a special task force -consisting of experts in animal welfare, veterinarians and industry representatives-to update the P-42 regulations. The expertise, research and perspectives contributed by task force participants have guided MAPAQ in updating the Province's animal welfare regulations.

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, representing tens of thousands of members and constituents across the country. HSI/Canada has active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation and farm animal welfare. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International-one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world, with more than 11 million members and constituents globally-on the Web at hsicanada.ca.