Our Impact
More than 80,000 animal species range across Canada’s vast and varied environments. Unfortunately, many of these wild animals face threats from humans. Each year, millions are subjected to cruel practices such as the global trade in wild animal parts, trophy hunting, captivity, wildlife culls and more.
What we are working on
Companion animals are confined to puppy and kitten mills, roam the streets, or live in remote communities where their families can’t access the pet care resources they need. Tens of millions of pigs, cows, chickens and other animals are raised on factory farms and slaughtered for human consumption each year. And animals hidden in labs undergo painful, invasive and often needless testing.
Tom and Pat Leeson
Humane World for Animals
Kristo Muurimaa
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
Highlights of our work
Canada, once the largest importer of shark fins outside Asia, passed a landmark bill that included measures to prohibit the trade in shark fins nationally as well as finning in Canadian waters. Humane World for Animals campaigned for the ban for a decade.
Following a seven-year campaign by Humane World for Animals Canada, the Canadian government banned domestic trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn, as well as the import of hunting trophies containing these parts. The landmark measures fulfilled a 2021 Ministerial mandate and were a critical step in protecting these iconic species.
Humane World for Animals Canada worked to help pass The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act or the “Free Willy Bill,” which imposed a sweeping ban on the trade, possession, capture and breeding of all cetaceans for entertainment.
After years of advocacy and campaigning, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency decided to cease the use of the poison strychnine for killing wild animals, including wolves, coyotes and black bears. Strychnine is notorious for causing some of the most agonizing symptoms of any poison, including muscular convulsions that can last up to 24 hours or longer.
Following a longstanding campaign by animal welfare, conservation and First Nations groups, the Government of British Columbia finally ended the hunting of grizzly bears throughout the province. The decision eliminates loopholes that would have allowed trophy hunting of grizzlies to continue, while respecting the will of the overwhelming majority of BC residents.
In the wake of multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 on BC fur farms—and an incident in which infectious mink escaped from a quarantined facility—the provincial government announced a phase-out of mink farming. Mink farming is exceptionally cruel, intensively confining highly intelligent, semi-aquatic wild animals and denying them their most basic of needs.
Petitions
Help animals by taking action
Help dogs from around the world get a second chance at life in Canada
Urge the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to adopt exemptions to measures prohibiting the entry of dogs from over 100 countries for animal rescue missions and humanitarian efforts.
Grizzly bears need your help!
Grizzly bear protections in the U.S. are under attack and we need your help to fight back.
Grizzly bears need your help!
Grizzly bear protections in the U.S. are under attack and we need your help to fight back.
Horseshoe crabs belong in oceans, not labs!
For almost 450 million years, horseshoe crabs have played a vital role in maintaining coastal ecosystems. Today, they face a grave threat.
Help protect pangolins
Small and gentle pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world. Despite this, the majority of pangolin species are not protected.
End the suffering of captive wildlife at roadside zoos in Quebec
It is time for the Quebec government to finally put an end to roadside zoos.
Put an end to cockfighting
Each year, thousands of roosters suffer in fighting pits in the United States. Razor-sharp gaffs tied to their legs, roosters suffer punctured lungs, broken bones and pierced eyes while fighting to the death. Will speak out against this cruelty and help ensure there is no haven for cockfighting?
Replace animal experiments with sophisticated alternatives
Every day, in labs around the world, dogs, monkeys, mice and other animals endure a life of misery. Demand that governments, companies, and universities stop relying on outdated animal experiments use non-animal science!
Replace animal experiments with sophisticated alternatives
Every day, in labs around the world, dogs, monkeys, mice and other animals endure a life of misery. Demand that governments, companies, and universities stop relying on outdated animal experiments use non-animal science!
Latest News
Martine Béchette/Humane World for Animals
MONTREAL, Québec—Today, Humane World for Animals Canada (formerly called Humane Society International/Canada) and Humane World Foundation Canada are welcoming 20 dogs rescued by the charity’s global
OTTAWA, Ontario—Wolf Awareness, WeHowl, Animal Justice, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Humane Society International/Canada and Animal Alliance of Canada are applauding a decision by Health
OTTAWA, Ontario—The Canadian government has banned domestic trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn, as well as the import of hunting trophies containing these parts. The landmark measures fulfill a
Help us end animal cruelty
Start saving lives today by making a one-time gift—or protect animals worldwide all year long with a monthly contribution.