4 legislative proposals for animals in Quebec

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4 legislative proposals for animals in Quebec

June 6, 2026

In Quebec, the way we view animals is changing. We share our lives with them, we get to know them, and we recognize that they are much more than just objects: they are sentient beings, capable of feeling joy and affection, but also fear and pain.

However, our current legal framework lags significantly behind this awareness and scientific understanding. Behind the closed doors of certain industries or within the silence imposed by the system, animal suffering is still too often legitimized or ignored.

It is time to move from statements of principle to concrete action. To build a fairer and more humane society, we are proposing four urgent and pragmatic legislative reforms. These solutions, based on ethics, transparency, and scientific data, have the power to permanently transform animal protection in our province.

But these bills will not see the light of day without strong political will. Members of the National Assembly have the power – and the duty – to bring about these changes. As citizens, your voice is their compass. In just a few clicks, you can directly contact your provincial representative to ask them to introduce these laws. Discover our 4 proposals below and find out how to take action today!

⚖ Our 4 proposed bills for Quebec

Minimum standards in the agricultural sector

Quebec’s animal welfare law, B-3.1, has a major loophole. Although it recognizes animals as sentient beings, Section 7 exempts farm animals. It also allows for industry self-regulation, thereby tolerating “generally recognized” cruel practices (cages, mutilations).

The solution: Enact science-based animal welfare standards into law (rather than industry practices) to ensure they are respected.

Protecting those who inform us

The MAPAQ primarily enforces animal welfare laws based on complaints, but the risk of lawsuits significantly deters reporting. Nevertheless, images and information shared by employees or citizens are invaluable for detecting serious cases and fostering a healthy democratic debate on the standard practices of animal-related industries.

The solution: Grant immunity to whistleblowers who expose animal suffering in Quebec.

Plant-based food in public institutions

Reports from UN climate experts estimate that a transition toward plant-rich diets is essential to reducing our GHG emissions. These diets are also vital for reducing the number of animals exploited as well as our dependence on intensive farming models. Several health networks (such as New York’s Health+ network hospitals) have implemented “plant-based by default” food models with excellent feedback from patients.

The solution: Implement “plant-based by default” food models with meat available upon request in Quebec’s public institutions.

Ending puppy and kitten mills

Today, a simple MAPAQ permit allows for up to 49 breeding dogs without systematic prior inspections, which enables owners to operate unsanitary facilities. Puppy and kitten mills worsen overpopulation issues that fall back on municipalities, shelters, and citizens, including in remote and Indigenous communities where shelters are at capacity.

The solution: Ban puppy and kitten mills in Quebec, and prioritize shelter adoptions.

It's up to you to get our parliamentarians motivated!

Imagine a Quebec that truly protects farm animals, bans puppy and kitten mills, and makes empathy a priority. This change is within our reach, but political inertia will persist if we remain silent. By joining our voices today, we will force our elected officials to finally put animal welfare at the heart of the National Assembly’s priorities.

To help these four projects grow, your voice is essential! Use our tool below to email your provincial Member of the National Assembly of Quebc right now. In just two minutes, your message can be one more spark to turn our compassion into a historic political force.

So, on your marks? Get set? Go 🎉!

Email your elected officials

Our tool allows you to quickly prepare an email to send to your Member of the National Assembly of Quebec.

🔐 ✅ This tool does not store any personal information you enter into the text fields (first name, last name, email, your representative, your message).

🐷 📧 Our newsletter email address infolettre@besa.quebec is CC’d on the email by default to track the campaign’s progress, but you can remove it in your mail client before sending the email.

Don’t know who your Member of Parliament is? Click here to enter your address and find your riding!

🎉 Thank you for taking action for animals ! 🎊

You want to do more for them ?

Whether it’s by reducing your consumption of animal products, or by using your passion and talents to defend their rights, there are many ways to help animals in Quebec.

Discover the best ways to act simply, and at your own pace, for animals!