Wild cats like servals, leopard cats, and ocelots belong in the wild, not in private homes. That’s why the VHS welcomed a new provincial ban on the breeding, sale, public display, and future ownership of exotic cats in B.C.
During the province’s consultation period, the VHS submitted recommendations supporting the ban and encouraged compassionate British Columbians to share their concerns about the exotic pet trade.
Thanks to widespread public support, no more exotic cats will be brought into captivity as pets in B.C. While animals already in B.C. can be kept with a permit as long as welfare and safety standards are met, the province is taking an important step toward preventing future suffering.
Exotic cats are wild animals with complex physical and behavioural needs that cannot be met in a household environment. Many experience stress, poor welfare, and serious health concerns when kept as pets. They can also pose risks to people, other animals, and local ecosystems if they escape. The VHS continues to encourage the government to strengthen protections for other exotic pets facing similar welfare concerns.
Thank you for speaking up for exotic cats and supporting advocacy that helped make this important win possible. Together, compassionate people across B.C. are helping create a safer, kinder future for wild animals.
A major step forward for farmed animals took place last month with the confirmed closure of the Bouvry Exports slaughterhouse in Alberta, formerly Canada’s largest horse slaughterhouse. The closure follows years of horrific cruelty and suffering, with the company being convicted and fined in 2025.
While this is incredible news, it does not fully eliminate the horrors that horses raised for meat face. Horses continue to be bred, raised, and shipped on long, stressful journeys overseas for slaughter. The VHS and organizations across Canada continue to advocate for an end to this horrific practice.
Advocating for meaningful changes in on-farm guidelines
At the same time, the VHS has continued to share practical tips to help animal allies speak up during public consultations on Canada’s farmed animal Codes of Practice, which guide how animals are treated on farms and affect millions of animals every day.
Advocacy on these codes is vital to ensure that the codes consider the voices of the animals and the people who care about the welfare of sentient beings over profit. The VHS’s guide on providing feedback for the equine code of practice was accessed by nearly 3,000 individuals!
Making plant-based eating more accessible
The VHS is also helping make plant-based eating more accessible and welcoming. At this year’s UBC VegFest, more than 5,000 people—mostly students and people who did not yet self-identify as vegan—came together to enjoy delicious plant-based foods and learn about compassionate choices.
The VHS’s PlantUniversity program is gearing up for another year of advocacy to decrease the demand for industrial animal agriculture. The program aims to reach more than 1,768,000 people over the next 12 months, and each person touched by these messages has the potential to save hundreds of animal lives each year.
To many people, a day at the rodeo, a night at the races, a holiday carriage ride, or an exotic pet show seem like harmless family fun. But to animal allies who understand the realities that horses, calves, reptiles, and other animals face behind the scenes, the scene is much more sombre.
Animals used for entertainment are often transported in cramped, barren conditions, displayed in noisy, unfamiliar environments, and are subjected to the use of painful tools like bits, spurs, and flank straps. They are not given the choice to live their lives as they wish and express their natural behaviours; for some animals, almost every moment of their lives is controlled by the people who profit off of them.
That is why the Vancouver Humane Society continues to speak up for animals used for entertainment. With your support, the VHS is working to expose harm, gather evidence, and urge decision-makers to introduce policies that better protect animals.
Rodeos
A bull in the chutes at The Calgary Stampede rodeo. Jo-Anne McArthur \ We Animals Media.
The VHS is documenting and exposing animal welfare concerns at B.C. rodeos, gathering evidence of the ways animals are forced into frightening, chaotic environments, and submitting cruelty complaints where appropriate. This year we are closely monitoring two rodeos that have a history of concerning treatment and hold those who cause animal suffering accountable. Stay tuned for advocacy opportunities when we develop a report using years of evidence to call for an end to public funding of rodeos and stronger provincial regulations.
The VHS is also continuing to speak out about the Calgary Stampede rodeo and chuckwagon races. A recent change to Alberta’s Animal Protection Act introduced stricter rules around animal cruelty but, despite advocacy from the VHS’s Albertan supporters, included an explicit loophole for rodeo and chuckwagon events that leaves these animals vulnerable. In 2026, the VHS will continue speaking up for animals used in the Stampede’s events so they are not left behind. The advocacy team will support We Animals Media in getting access to document the realities animals face behind the scenes, collaborate with Calgary advocates, monitor for unreported injuries and fatalities, expose incidents with nationwide media coverage, share information through a public campaign, and urge decision-makers to support an end to rodeo and chuckwagon events.
Chantelle Archambault from the Vancouver Humane Society discusses the closure of Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, which was announced this past Friday. Originally aired on The Early Edition from CBC News; shared on The Informed Animal Ally podcast.
On the heels of a recent decision to shut down operations at Vancouver’s controversial and risky Hastings Racecourse, the VHS advocated for a safe retirement for horses and continues to raise awareness about the inherent risk and stress associated with horse racing.
Another major focus is wild and exotic animals whose natural needs and behaviours are denied as they are transported for display in events, expos, and television. The VHS will be a compassionate set of eyes at exotic animal events in 2026, filing cruelty complaints when animals are harmed and raising awareness about how animals used in these situations face fear and stress. That evidence will be used to advocate for stronger regulations to protect these vulnerable animals.
This work builds on recent momentum, including Port Moody’s mobile live animal program ban, a B.C.-wide exotic cat ban, and ongoing discussions around stronger regulation of exotic animal keeping, breeding, transport, and public display.
Horse carriages
The VHS is also raising concerns about the well-being and safety of horses used for carriage rides. An ongoing campaign calls for an end to horses being forced to pull carriages in stressful urban environments. Animals forced into entertainment industries can show us they are uncomfortable and afraid, but they cannot ask for a different future. With your help, the VHS continues to speak up for them.
Your support helps to expose and end the suffering of animals exploited for spectacle. Together, we can move toward a future where animals are respected for who they are, not what they can be made to do.
For many people, a beloved animal is family, comfort, safety, and home. That bond is at the heart of Because They Matter, the VHS’s annual fundraising and outreach event returning for its sixth year on Sunday, July 19.
This meaningful event brings together compassionate supporters to distribute pet supplies and share information about accessing veterinary care with animal guardians living on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
At last year’s event, participants handed out thousands of essential pet supplies, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members. Hundreds of pamphlets were also distributed about the VHS’s McVitie Fund, which helps pets of low-income families access urgent veterinary care.
For guardians facing poverty, the stress and uncertainty of a sick or injured animal can be overwhelming. Because They Matter offers practical support on event day, while also helping people learn about veterinary care assistance that may keep their beloved companions safe at home.
This year, our goal is to raise $18,000 to help meet the growing demand for the McVitie Fund. Veterinary care services through the program now total more than $450,000 annually and are 100% donor funded. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether by joining us in person or fundraising online.
When people face challenges caring for a beloved companion animal, finding help can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Vancouver Humane Society is proud to join six other independent organizations in launching the new Humane Societies of BC collaborative!
This province-wide network connects people with trusted local support for their pets, keeping more animals safe, healthy, and home with their families who love them.
Together, the collaborative will help families across British Columbia access services like emergency veterinary assistance, pet food and supplies, behaviour support, and rehoming resources when needed. By working together while responding to the unique needs of each community, the network aims to strengthen the safety net for animals and the people who love them.
The collaborative includes humane societies in Clearwater, Kitimat, the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, Prince George, Victoria, and Vancouver. To learn more, visit HumaneSocietiesBC.ca. Donations for this work continue to go to each individual registered charity.
Recent news stories from the Humane Societies of BC
This piece written by Melanie Denomme, a Biological Sciences PhD student at Brock University, originally appeared in The Conversation. Every day, millions of people watch their pet reptiles run, dig, swim or climb up against the walls of their enclosure. …
New research finds repetitive behaviours in reptiles
New research shared by a Biological Sciences PhD student at Brock University examines the behaviours of reptiles kept in captivity as pets. The research looks in particular at the repetitive behaviours of bearded dragons, such as scratching, pacing, or rubbing against the walls of their enclosure (often referred to by reptile hobbyists as “glass surfing”).
Though the opinion piece approaches the research from a perspective of reptile keeping, it raises questions about the inherent concerns with bringing and breeding undomesticated animals who have complex needs into captivity.
Repetitive or “stereotypic” behaviours in animals often signify stress, discomfort, frustration, or a desire to escape. These behaviours are common in undomesticated, wild animals kept in captivity, such as in zoos, at aquariums, or as exotic pets.
Note:The VHS uses the term “exotic pets” to refer to animals that are not domesticated, that are not native to the local habitat of British Columbia, and that are kept in private homes or similar environments. The term does not apply to domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, or domestic rabbits.
Like mammals, reptiles show signs of frustration at not being able to escape confinement
In an opinion article published on the Brock University website, researcher Melanie Denommé states, “Mammalian carnivores, such as mink, polar bears and lions, sometimes perform repetitive pacing in captivity. And while there may be multiple reasons for the behaviour, researchers have found that thwarted escape is a common motivation.”
The researchers’ results supported that the same was true for reptiles: “Lizards climbed up, dug at or walked against the only ‘door’ in their enclosure more than any other barriers.”
Why do reptiles want to escape?
“Enclosures that are too hot, small or boring may be a common cause of wanderlust,” the Denommé states. The researcher suggests that increasing the space and enrichment available to reptiles can help reduce repetitive behaviours, but notes that this does not always succeed.
This reflects the reality that it is extremely difficult or impossible to meet the complex needs of many reptiles and other exotic animals in a captive home environment.
Should anyone keep reptiles?
Most captive reptiles are exotic species not native to B.C., with the potential to impact local ecosystems and wildlife if released.
Reptiles already kept in private homes, rescues, zoos, and aquaria across B.C. need experienced, thoughtful care in the environment best suited to their specialized needs.
If a keeper understands the complex needs of these animals and feels prepared to meet them, taking in rescued or surrendered reptiles is valuable and much-needed.
At the same time, it is important to move away from breeding and bringing new reptiles into captivity who are not well-suited to captive environments.
Why move away from keeping reptiles as pets?
Many reptiles and other exotic pets spend their lives bored, frustrated, and suffering when their needs are not met.
Interested buyers may not be given adequate information which can lead to reptiles suffering, dying, or being released into an unsuitable native ecosystem. Reputable rescues for exotic animals are often at or over capacity and many organizations are struggling to meet the demand created by the exotic pet industry.
You can read the opinion piece or full research paper at the link below. Please share this post to help others learn more about the complex needs of reptiles.
The Agri-Food Analytics Lab (AFAL) at Dalhousie University says Canadians are spending more money on food.
As grocery prices increase, more Canadians are turning to budget-friendly plant-based foods, according a recent article from CityNews Vancouver.
“The Agri-Food Analytics Lab (AFAL) at Dalhousie University says Canadians are spending more money on food.”
“Sylvain Charlebois, AFAL’s director, says that this has an impact on what Canadians choose to purchase at the supermarket, moving away from higher-priced items such as meat.”
“‘We are starting to see a shift towards different diets like vegetarianism, pescetarianism, and flexitarianism as well. That’s becoming more popular in Canada.'”
A 2023 report from the Vancouver Humane Society found that eating more plants could save an individual in the Lower Mainland 14% on groceries. The VHS’s PlantUniversity program offers resources, like budget-friendly recipes, to help people who are transitioning toward more plant-based eating thrive while enjoying healthy, delicious meals.
The VHS’s McVitie Fund, which provides emergency veterinary assistance to pets in urgent need, has seen a huge increase in demand due to the rising cost of living. Communications Director Chantelle Archambault recently appeared on CBC Radio’s On The Coast to discuss the program as part of their coverage of rising demand for animal services.
What is the McVitie Fund?
The Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program provides emergency funding for life-saving vet care for guardians who can’t afford it otherwise.
When someone loses their job and then their cat escapes and runs into traffic, or if a person living on disability assistance takes in a dog from a late family member and then she suddenly gets a life-threatening infection, they may have nowhere else to turn.
For many people, this program means their loved pets can get the care they need instead of making the impossible choice to give them up, see them suffer, or have them euthanized.
Rising costs of living mean more people need help
Requests for veterinary assistance from the VHS’s McVitie Fund have reached unprecented levels.
So far this year, the VHS has received almost 1,200 applications for help from pet guardians. In the same period last year, the program had fewer than 800 applications. This is a 50% increase in demand over 2025.
And last year’s demand was already unprecendented—the program received more than 11 times as many applications in 2025 compared to 2020.
The VHS team is deeply familiar with how the increasing cost of living over the past several years has impacted pet guardians. Many families are struggling to come up with the funds for frightening medical emergencies with their beloved companions, leading them to reach out for support.
How animal supporters are saving lives
Because veterinary care isn’t subsidized like human medical care in Canada, this program is entirely funded by donations from members of the VHS’s caring community.
Every dollar donated makes a difference to help a loved companion animal come home safe.
Devastating blaze on Gladwin Road on Thursday afternoon (May 21) kills tens of thousands of birds
We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating loss of 165,000 chickens in a barn fire in Abbotsford on Thursday, reportedly the deadliest barn fire in the community in more than a decade. Our thoughts are with the thousands of sentient beings who suffered and died in this tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident also highlights the inherent animal welfare and safety risks of the industrial farming system.
The average chicken farm in Canada confines approximately 36,000 birds in a single barn, making emergency evacuation during fires, floods, and other disasters virtually impossible. As a result, chickens are disproportionately affected in mass casualty incidents on farms across the country.
Beyond the dangers posed during emergencies, chickens raised in industrial systems experience routine stress and suffering while living in crowded, barren conditions that prevent them from expressing natural behaviours.
Tragedies like this are a stark reminder of the urgent need to move away from intensive factory farming systems. Each of us can help by reducing our consumption of animal products, choosing more plant-based meals, and advocating for stronger protections for farmed animals and a kinder, safer, and more sustainable food system.
We are grateful to the firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to this devastating incident, and to everyone who continues to speak up for farmed animals.
Scientists learn that fish suffer around 10 minutes of “intense pain” when killed during the catch process by air asphyxiation.
A new study published in Scientific Reports and featured in an article from Earth.com spotlights the suffering of fishes when they are caught and killed for food.
While land animals killed for food in Canada must be stunned before slaughter, there is no such law around fishes. Wild-caught fishes are commonly killed by asphyxiation (slowly suffocating to death in the open air), which leads to immense fear and suffering.
The research found that “the average trout endures about ten minutes of pain that qualifies as hurtful, disabling, or excruciating. In some conditions, this could stretch beyond 20 minutes.”
Researchers evaluated stunning as an alternative to prolonged asphyxiation for fish. Their findings highlight flaws in both the stunning methods they evaluated.
“Electrical stunning, if properly used, could spare 60 to 1,200 minutes of suffering for every dollar spent … But implementation remains inconsistent. In many commercial settings, electrical stunning fails to reliably render fish unconscious.”
“Percussive stunning – a physical blow to the head – has shown better consistency in lab settings. But it’s difficult to scale.”
As we recognize that fishes are sentient animals who feel pain, experience fear, and try to avoid suffering, there is one method that can consistently protect their well-being: switching from fish to plant-based alternatives on our plates.
