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Animal Advocacy

For 130 years, the Winnipeg Humane Society has been a voice for all animals. We believe whether they live in a home, on a farm, or in the wild, all living beings need to be treated humanely, free from suffering. 

While day-to-day operations at WHS focus heavily on supporting the animals in our shelter, we also work to address issues affecting those in our care and our community through our animal advocacy department. 

What is animal welfare? 

WHS definition: Animal welfare is the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which they live and die. 

We understand that animal welfare is often viewed through an emotional and personal lens, however, we advocate for a scientific approach that objectively evaluates welfare by the same process, no matter the animal. 

In other words, the welfare of a dog, pig, or elephant, should be measured without bias. 

Why do this work? 

The WHS’ mission is to protect ALL animals from suffering. Currently, there is no other organization that can be their collective voice. If we don’t speak up for animals, who will? 

Here are just a few ways we’ve already helped animals in Manitoba:

  • The WHS’ animal advocacy department was a key stakeholder in recommending stronger legislation through Winnipeg’s Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw around the trapping, breeding, and responsible ownership of animals within city limits.
  • We acted as a primary consultant for a 2022 amendment to the Animal Care Act, which now makes it a provincial offence to leave dogs or cats in vehicles in hot or cold temperatures.
  • We played a key role in shaping two new federal bills that phase out cosmetic testing and toxicity testing on animals in Canada, both of which were passed in 2023.
  • We acted as a primary stakeholder for MP Tim Louis’ private member’s bill (C-355) which aims to federally ban horse exportation for slaughter.
  • In 2022, we stopped unnecessary pig and calf animal scrambles, where children compete to run, chase, and grab onto the young animals, at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

Read our position statements on companion, farm, and wildlife animal welfare. 

The work 

From access to pet-friendly housing to calling for more transparency in industrialized farming, we are working towards a province where animals are protected through legislative change, strengthening existing policies, and challenging social norms. Click on the buttons below to learn about some of the leading welfare issues animals are facing in Manitoba and what we’re doing to help:

 

                

         

Frequently asked questions

What is the WHS’ definition of animal welfare?
With a mission to protect the dignity of and reduce the suffering of all animals, the WHS defines animal welfare as the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which they live and die.
What has the advocacy department achieved for animals so far?
The WHS’ animal welfare department was a key stakeholder in recommending stronger legislation through Winnipeg’s Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw around the trapping, breeding, and responsible ownership of animals within city limits. We acted as a primary stakeholder for MP Tim Louis’ private member’s bill (C-355) which aims to federally ban horse exportation for slaughter. In 2022, we stopped unnecessary pig and calf animal scrambles, where children compete to run, chase, and grab onto the young animals, at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. We played a key role in shaping two new federal bills that phase out cosmetic testing and toxicity testing on animals in Canada, both of which were passed in 2023. We also acted as a primary consultant for a 2022 amendment to the Animal Care Act, which now makes it a provincial offence to leave dogs or cats in vehicles in hot or cold temperatures.
Why does the WHS devote so many resources to animal advocacy?
The Winnipeg Humane Society has been advocating for farmed and companion animals since our inception in 1894. Out of the 150+ staff employed by the WHS, only one full-time and one part-time staff member work in our advocacy department, and they do so tirelessly to strengthen public education and government relations.
Why is the WHS spending money on advocacy and not the animals in the shelter?
Every department within the organization has its own pre-approved and allocated budget, including the education department, advocacy department, marketing department, etc. No funds allocated to these departments are ever taken from the animal care departments. Only 3% of our total budget is devoted to animal advocacy.
Is the WHS anti-farmer?
No. The WHS never slanders producers or farmers and focuses our advocacy work on key inhumane industrialized agriculture practices that have been proven to cause harm and negative welfare states for the animals. We are more than happy to work together with industry to ensure protection and increased best practices in animal welfare.
Does the WHS promote veganism?
No. The WHS does promote the reduction of consuming animal products as one way to combat intensive animal confinement practices. Our organization does not tell supporters to go vegan. This is a personal choice, and our philosophy is to provide accurate, scientifically proven information on farm animal welfare, and let supporters decide which products they wish to purchase.
Is the WHS becoming PETA?
The WHS advocates for the improved welfare of all animals. Our organization evaluates practices that cause distress and suffering objectively, without bias. Practices within industrialized agriculture have proven to cause suffering and negative welfare states for individual animals. With roughly 841 million animals raised for food in Canada, no other group of animals experience negative welfare on such a massive scale. We do not tell people what to eat or what not to eat but rather provide information on standard practices on industrialized farms and resources for those wanting to learn more.
Why doesn’t the WHS leave farm animal advocacy to other organizations?
There are no other organizations in Manitoba that focus on the welfare of farmed animals or can make tangible improvements to farmed animal welfare. If we don’t say something, who will?
Can I donate to a specific animal welfare cause or a specific area of the shelter?
Absolutely. We are grateful for our donors and if there is a particular department you wish your donations to go to, we can ensure that happens. Please visit our donation page and indicate where you’d like to direct your support.
How will my animal welfare donation be spent?
Your donation will go towards our efforts to protect horses, companion animals, wildlife, and farmed animals. Some of our current initiatives include revoking breed-specific legislation, increasing pet-friendly housing, stopping horse exportation for slaughter, wildlife co-existence measures and public education on industrialized animal agriculture practices such as intensive confinement. Our advocacy department is always in need of critical funding and there are many opportunities for donors to collaborate on a specific topic of their choosing.
Where can I receive updates on different animal welfare causes?
The WHS will be launching a new e-newsletter for supporters who have a special interest in animal welfare. If you’d like to be on our list please sign up below.

WHS Animal Advocacy Email List

Sign up to receive updates from the WHS animal advocacy team about our work, issues facing animals in Canada, and how YOU can help.

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