Create an animal shelter in Dollard Des Ormeaux

I recently moved to the Roxboro area, right on the border of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO), with a hopeful intention to contribute to my new community. As an animal lover eager to volunteer, I walked over to the Municipal Patrol Building, only to be met with disbelief. I discovered that DDO lacks any form of animal services, and Vaudreuil Solanges Animal Control only collects deceased animals. My heart sank when I asked what happens to stray cats and dogs and was told they are left to die—shrugged off as part of the natural order.

This is not just a bureaucratic oversight but a violation of both ethical and legal standards. DDO By-law R-2025-200 Section 5.01 explicitly mandates that any person who injures an animal must stop and assist. In cases where the owner cannot be located, the City or the Police Department must be informed. This clearly indicates a civic responsibility to care for our animal friends, a responsibility severely undermined by the absence of an operational animal shelter.

The city has, through its enacted laws, evidenced a recognition of animals' suffering and a duty of care. Yet its policy seems disjointed, allowing these creatures to fend for themselves or face tragic ends. This contradictory stance is unacceptable. We need to demand the establishment of an animal shelter.

An animal shelter in DDO would provide crucial services: rescuing stray animals, offering veterinary care, facilitation of adoptions, and a space for residents to volunteer and engage in community activities. This addition would not only fulfill legal obligations but would transform the city into a compassionate leader in animal welfare, bolstering community ties.

I urge the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux to align its obligations and ethics by taking actionable steps to establish an animal shelter. Let's work together to ensure a humane response for all creatures impacted by our urban life.

Please sign this petition and help us advocate for animals in need, ensuring their safety and well-being. Together, we can inspire change and save lives.