Category: News/Blog

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UBC VegFest helps the next generation help animals

The winner of the UBC VegFest early bird draw showed off her gift basket, with items generously donated by Daiya, Oatworthy, Vegan Supply, To Live For, and Herbaland.

What if choosing lunch could help spare animals from suffering? On March 4, that hopeful vision came to life at the very first UBC VegFest!

The VHS’s PlantUniversity program partnered with the student club Vegans of UBC to showcase more than 25 local plant-based businesses and organizations right on campus. The event was hosted in collaboration with UBC’s student union, AMS, and supported by TMRW Foods, Vegan Supply, and SEEDS Sustainability Program.

Thousands of students and members of the surrounding community sampled delicious foods, met passionate vendors, and learned how plant-based choices can support their health, protect the environment, and reduce animal suffering in factory farms.

A basket next to plant-based items such as boxed mac and cheese, chocolate, loaves, and vegan tuna.
The winner of the UBC VegFest early bird draw showed off her gift basket, with items generously donated by Daiya, Oatworthy, Vegan Supply, To Live For, Gusta, Nuts For Cheese, and the Progressive Non-Animal Research Society.

Events like UBC VegFest are a powerful step toward a kinder food system. Outreach and education like this help to shape the values of future leaders and make compassionate choices more visible and accessible.

“Thank you so much for emphasizing education during the event just as much as yummy foods! I really appreciate this event. It is my favourite I’ve ever attended at UBC and I hope it becomes annual.” -Attendee of UBC VegFest

For young people making independent food choices for the first time, an open and welcoming community that shares the benefits of plant-based eating can help influence habits that last a lifetime.

One attendee called the experience “eye-opening to the options available to support a plant-based diet”.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in this event. Your advocacy helps to plant seeds of change that will grow for years to come.

For a list of organizers and vendors, visit the event page at PlantUniversity.ca.

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Protect ducks and geese from force-feeding for foie gras (Federal e-petition)

A gosling in the grass

Update

This petition is now closed. Thank you to everyone who signed and spoke up for animals. Please go to this page for current campaigns.

  • The Vancouver Humane Society is joining the Canadian Coalition for Farmed Animals and advocates across Canada in calling for a ban on force-feeding ducks and geese for foie gras production.
  • Foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers swell up to ten times their normal size, causing a painful condition known as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome).
  • Many other nations have banned the production and/or import of foie gras due to the severe animal welfare concerns, including the UK, Argentina, Australia, and India.

TAKE ACTION: Canadian residents can sign the official parliamentary e-petition until January 2, 2026. After you sign, be sure to click the link in the confirmation email so your signature is counted.

View updates

End foie gras production, import, and sale in Canada

Join the Vancouver Humane Society, the Canadian Coalition for Farmed Animals, MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and advocates across Canada in calling to protect ducks and geese from inhumane force-feeding for foie gras.

The petition calls on Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to:

  • Ban the practice of force-feeding ducks and geese for the production of foie gras;
  • Ban the importation and sale of foie gras produced by such force-feeding;
  • Provide financial assistance and guidance to producers for transitioning to plant-based agriculture.

Sign the federal e-petition on the Parliament of Canada website before January 2, 2026, at 10:28 a.m. PT. 

Important: After you sign the petition, be sure to check your email and click the confirmation link to ensure your signature is counted.  

View updates (Petition closed)

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George is home safe

When Hannah noticed that her beloved dog George had stopped eating and drinking and had developed a large, hard bump on his lip, she was terrified. Firm lumps that cause behaviour changes like this can be a sign of cancer.

George is a rescued dog from Mexico, found abandoned in a dumpster with his brothers as a puppy. Today, he is a 70-pound lap dog at heart who wants nothing more than to snuggle close to his mom. “He’s the most cuddly boy and always wanting to sleep with mom,” Hannah shared.

Living in a recovery house and doing her best to rebuild her life, Hannah was distraught when she realized she could not afford to have George examined. Hannah reached out to the McVitie Fund for help.  

Thanks to support from our wonderful community, George was able to see a veterinarian. He received an exam, medication for allergies, and antibiotics to treat the concerning bump. George is now on the road to recovery and back where he belongs, curled up beside Hannah. 

“Thank you so much for your help, I seriously appreciate it,” Hannah told the VHS’s McVitie team. She now looks forward to reaching a point in her life when she can give back to help other animals like George.

George’s recovery would not have been possible without the support of generous donors to the McVitie Fund. Could you make a small gift today to help us say yes to more beloved companion animals?

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More than 1,300 pets received life-saving care in 2025

CTV News story

Last year was incredibly challenging for many animal guardians across British Columbia. Rising costs left more people struggling to afford emergency veterinary care for the animals they love. At the same time, shelters and rescues were stretched beyond capacity.

For guardians with nowhere else to turn, the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund was a vital lifeline.

In 2025, 1,372 animals received urgent, life-saving veterinary care through the McVitie Fund, nearly double the number helped the year before. Demand has grown dramatically, with more than eleven times as many applications compared to 2020.

Thanks to caring people like you, the program was able to remain open until mid-December and distribute a record-breaking $642,000 in emergency funds.

1,372

animals received life-saving veterinary care through the McVitie Fund in 2025

Your support makes stories like Rafiki’s possible.

After repeated attempts to treat painful urinary crystals, Rafiki needed emergency surgery. With help from the McVitie Fund, he received the care he needed and is now back home with his guardian, Sarah. “If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what I would have done. Thank you so much!” Sarah told the VHS. “He’s my baby boy. He means everything to me.”

Rafiki at the vet
Rafiki back home safe

Every dollar makes a difference for families in need of urgent support. Can you donate today to help animals come home safe?

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4 years later, renewed calls to end live horse export for slaughter 

Horses packed in a crate on the arport tarmac to be shipped overseas for slaughter
Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

Photos: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

  • December 16, 2025 marks four years since the federal Liberal government promised to ban live horse export for slaughter, yet the commitment remains unfulfilled. 
  • In that time, more than 10,700 horses have been shipped on long, stressful overseas flights, destined for slaughter despite widespread public opposition. 
  • These grueling 20+ hour journeys where horses are confined in cramped crates have led to injuries, extreme exhaustion, miscarriages, and deaths. 
  • Bill C-355, introduced in 2023 to end live horse export for slaughter, passed the House of Commons but stalled in the Senate and died with the 2025 election. 
  • With one of the most vocal Senators who previously blocked the bill now retired, Canadians are calling on the federal government to finally keep its promise and end this inhumane industry for good. 

Take action!

Online

Remind decision-makers that this issue matters to you! Use the talking points below to send a message to your Member of Parliament and the federal Minister of Agriculture. 

Talking points

In person

Attend the candlelight vigil planned in Vancouver on Tuesday, December 16th at Vancouver City Hall – 453 W 12th Ave, 6PM – 7PM.

For more information, visit the Vancouver event facebook page and see the full list of vigils across Canada.

Vancouver vigil
All vigils in Canada

 

Tell your Member of Parliament and the Minister of Agriculture to prioritize an end to live horse export for slaughter 

Step 1

Use your postal code to find your MP’s contact information and include the federal Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Heath MacDonald. 

Find my MP

Agriculture Minister, Heath MacDonald: aafc.minister-ministre.aac@agr.gc.ca  

Step 2

Use the key points below to help you draft your email. Personalized emails are more impactful, so be sure to use your own words. 

Why you’re writing: 

  • Share that you’re a constituent of the Member of Parliament; 
  • That you’re writing regarding Canada’s inhumane practice of live horse export for slaughter; 
  • That it’s the four year anniversary of the federal government’s promise to end live horse export for slaughter; 
  • That you’re urging the government to follow through on this promise and end the practice once and for all.  

Why the issue matters to you: 

Consider sharing a few of key issues below that most concern you: 

  • Horses are loaded into crowded crates and flown on lengthy and stressful journeys overseas, destined for slaughter. 
  • Horses can legally go 28 hours without food, water, or rest – though investigations show many journeys exceed this already inhumane time limit.  
  • Deaths and injuries are commonplace, with investigations uncovering extreme exhaustion, miscarriages, and even deaths during and soon after the flights. For example, 21 horses died in 13 months between May 2023-June 2024. 
  • More than 10,000 horses have been sent to their deaths since the government promised to ban live horse export for slaughter. 
  • Polling shows a strong majority of Canadians are opposed to live horse export for slaughter. 

Reiterate your request: 

  • That you’re strongly urging them, as your elected representative and the Minister responsible for implementing a ban, to prioritize an end to live horse export for slaughter. 

Ask for a reply: 

  • Thank them for their consideration of your request and ask that they respond to you at their earliest convenience, as this issue is important to you. 
Send a message to your Member of Parliament & Minister of Agriculture

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TAKE ACTION: Support the B.C. government decision to end horse racing funding & call for a safe retirement plan for horses

  • In response to the provincial government announcing the end of government funding for horse racing, Hastings Racecourse has announced they will stop horse racing effective immediately.  
  • While there is industry pushback to the B.C. government’s announcement to end funding for horse racing, the decision did not happen in isolation.
  • This change follows decades of decline in revenue and public support and heavy reliance on public funding. 
  • Hastings Racecourse was the last active race track in B.C., meaning there is no more horse racing in the province.
  • Hastings has seen multiple fatalities in recent seasons, including three known horse deaths in 2025, four in 2024, and eight in 2023. Each loss is a reminder of the inherent risks horses face in the racing industry. 
Follow up with decision-makers

While incredibly grateful for this decision, the VHS recognizes the uncertainty it may create for workers and animals within the industry. The VHS urges the provincial government and industry stakeholders to ensure a just and compassionate transition plan, including: 

  • Support for workers in the horse racing industry faced with this transition; 
  • Safe, secure retirement and rehoming plans for horses. 

Join the VHS in extending our sincere gratitude to Minister Nina Krieger for her leadership in making this decision and encourage meaningful support for workers and animals transitioning away from horse racing. Use the VHS’s quick action tool below to send a letter to the Minister and your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). 

The VHS recently spoke with CBC on this news. Click here to watch the interview!

Send a message
Watch CBC interview
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Give hope to animals this Giving Tuesday

Your gift helps animals!

Donate now

Vancouver Humane Society is partnering with The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary this Giving Tuesday to make life better for animals!

Between now and December 2, you can donate directly to our joint campaign. We are also looking for businesses and individuals to support this campaign through matched giving donations. Check out our sponsorship package for more details.

be a giving tuesday sponsor

Every supporter that donates towards the Giving Tuesday campaign will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a $50 gift card to Vegan Supply.

How your donation helps

The Happy Herd

Panels that say bedding, feeding costs, and veterinary bills

The Happy Herd provides a loving home to animals rescued from the farming industry. 

Happy Herd cares for 50+ animals including pigs, cows, goats, chickens, sheep, cats, and one dog! Each cherished animal has their own name and personality, and spends their days enjoying life with their fellow herd family members.

Your generous support of this campaign will support essential daily care costs like food and veterinary treatment, and will have a lasting impact on the lives of the animals who call The Happy Herd home.

The Vancouver Humane Society

Panels that say emergency vet care, protecting animals, and plant-based advocacy

Since 1984, the Vancouver Humane Society has been supporting individuals, organizations, and governments to take action for the welfare and rights of animals influenced by human activities.

The VHS is dedicated to ending animal suffering in all forms, including:

All donations to the VHS will go directly toward vital programs and advocacy work in order to create a kinder world for all animals.

Thank you so much for your support of both of our organizations!

Check out our list of amazing Giving Tuesday partners

  • Vegan Supply – will give customers the option to add a donation to the VHS and Happy Herd throughout the month of November.
  • Vegan Yarn – will be donating 25% of their sales on Giving Tuesday.
  • Sprouted Oven – will be donating 2% of their sales on Giving Tuesday.
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Momentum builds to end unnecessary surgeries on companion animals

Across North America, we’re seeing meaningful progress to protect animals from medically unnecessary procedures. This is a great sign that awareness and compassion are driving real change.

More governments moving away from harmful procedures

Ontario could ban declawing cats, debarking dogs under new regulations | CBC News

Ontario appears set to push ahead with a ban on declawing cats and debarking and ear cropping dogs, a move animal welfare advocates say is years overdue and doesn’t go far enough.

The Province of Ontario is currently considering a ban on procedures such as declawing, debarking, and ear cropping when they are not medically necessary.

These surgeries, often performed for human convenience rather than animal health, can cause lasting physical and behavioural harm. For instance, debarking removes an important way that dogs communicate, while declawing can cause lasting pain, nerve damage, increased aggression, and difficulties walking normally.

The state of California also recently took action to protect companion animals. A statewide ban on medically unecessary declawing came into effect at the beginning of 2026, reinforcing the growing recognition that removing a cat’s claws—which involves amputating part of each toe—is not a humane solution to scratching.. The state joins others such as New York, Maryland, and Virginia, which have passed similar laws.

Where B.C. stands on medically unecessary procedures for pets

For more than a decade, the College of Veterinarians of B.C. (CVBC) has prohibited cosmetic procedures such as tail docking and ear cropping. In 2023, the CVBC strengthened its protections by also banning declawing and debarking when not medically necessary.

Ontario remains the only province without restrictions on cosmetic procedures for pets; but that could soon change. These developments reflect a broader shift away from practices rooted in convenience and toward policies grounded in the science of animal well-being.

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New provincial resource launches: The Humane Societies of BC

Close up photo of a woman hugging an older brown dog outdoors on the beach

The Vancouver Humane Society is proud to be part of a new province-wide collaborative: the Humane Societies of British Columbia. This initiative brings together seven independent humane societies to make it easier for people across BC to find trusted, local support for their animal family members, all in one place.

Meet the Humane Societies of BC

HumaneSocietiesBC.ca is a new resource hub that aims to help connect people to local services like veterinary assistance, pet food programs, behaviour support, and emergency care when they’re needed most.

We’ll also be joining together to share timely, life-saving information on pet health and care.

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Valentine’s Day e-cards

This Valentine’s Day, choose to send an e-card to someone you love when you donate to the VHS on their behalf! Your thoughtful donation will go towards improving the lives of animals, while letting someone special know you’re thinking of them. 

When you donate below, choose to make a donation in honour of someone special and pick a thoughtful e-card that will be sent directly to their inbox. Simply tick the “Yes, I want to dedicate my donation” box in the “Want to dedicate your gift to someone special?” section of the online donation form.

Donate and send an e-card 🤍