Montreal will have a new animal shelter by 2018, as Mayor Denis Coderre pledged to build a $23-million facility on Pie IX between 42nd and 47th. to deal with the 20,000 dogs and cats handed over each year.
The shelter had originally been planned for Angrignon Park but was switched instead to the more populated area to encourage usage.
The city currently euthanizes about half of the 20,000 dogs and cat that it receives, a figure considerably higher than many other cities.
Mayor Coderre, speaking at a Thursday morning press conference, expressed concern about the high figure, calling it a "disaster."
“It sends a message that we’re not responsible enough with our animals. And in the term ‘best practices,’ I don’t think that it fits, “ he said.
The shelter will remain open 24 hours a day all year and animals will be implanted with microchips to help find them if they get lost.
It will employ about 90 people, cost $7 million to operate and will be operated by a third-party organization, which has yet to be selected.
The city is looking for a non-profit organization to run the shelter and isn't ruling out that Berger Blanc could play a role.
Three years ago, Radio-Canada's investigative program Enquete uncovered disturbing animal abuse at Berger Blanc.
Many demanded the city take control of animal welfare and stop contracting to the for-profit, Berger Blanc.
“The possibility that Berger Blanc manages the centre is a preoccupation, but I'm sure since what happened they reviewed their practices also so we have to see,” said city councillor Anne-Marie Sigouin.
Still, the SPCA is applauding news of a new shelter being built.
The services they perform for the city is often done at a financial loss.
“For the last number of years, the SPCA has been saying over and over again that we really need responsible city run animal services,” said Alanna Devine, director of animal advocacy at the Montreal SPCA.
