Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a decision awarding a direct contract to La société pour la prévention de la cruauté envers les animaux (Canadienne), known as the SPCA de Montréal, and approving the service agreement. The contract runs for 20 months from May 1, 2026, with a maximum cost of $2,066,684.87, taxes included. City staff say the goal is to support Proanima Montréal and maintain animal services across the city.
- The SPCA will provide services for up to 3,665 domestic animals a year, plus farm animals with no stated limit.
- Services include receiving, identifying, sheltering, caring for and arranging adoptions of animals, as well as euthanasia and handling animals that have died.
- Proanima Montréal remains responsible for services such as capturing and transporting animals and managing dogs classified as dangerous or restricted.
- The contract may be extended by mutual agreement to December 31, 2028; the decision does not set an extension price.
What it means for you#
- Residents and animal owners: The SPCA is to provide the listed services across Montréal’s boroughs. The decision does not set out how residents request a service or how cases are handled.
- City administration: The city must pay the SPCA under the approved agreement. This contract supplements Proanima Montréal’s existing role; it does not replace it.
Money#
The maximum contract cost is $2,066,684.87, taxes included; city staff say existing operating-budget credits are available.
- The city will pay a fixed monthly amount: $1,008,138.96 for 2026, paid in eight equal monthly instalments, and $1,058,545.91 for 2027, paid in 12 equal instalments.
- The contract was awarded directly, without a call for tenders; the materials give no bid comparison.
- The materials do not state the price of a possible extension.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s detailed terms are not included in the supplied materials.
- The materials do not explain how the 3,665-animal annual limit is applied or how the SPCA will handle demand beyond it.
- The extension is possible only by mutual agreement, but the materials do not state its price or other terms.
Case for#
- City staff say Proanima Montréal’s centre cannot handle all animals that need to be admitted. A second provider could help maintain services across the city.
- The SPCA’s role is specified alongside Proanima’s, including services that Proanima does not provide under this arrangement.
- City staff say not awarding the contract could lead to animal overcrowding, with possible harms to animal welfare, cleanliness and public safety.
Case against#
- The city awarded the contract without a call for tenders, so the materials provide no competing bids or price comparison.
- The domestic-animal service limit is 3,665 a year, but the materials do not explain what happens if demand exceeds that limit.
- The contract could be extended, but the materials do not say what the extension would cost.