Message received this morning: Yesterday, a lady found a weimaraner in Mascouche. The dog was in poor condition: very skinny and had skin blisters. She took him to the BB The dog is there now and his only chance at life is if the owner is found asap.
This guy was apparently claimed, and was a newly adopted dog, to explain his condition.
Berger Blanc states that while the SPCA’s mandate is to protect animals, theirs is to protect us, that they are an animal control company, not an animal welfare organization . The story of Survivor is proof that Quebec animals need our protection, much more than we need to be protected from them. And we clearly need an organization we can trust to help when needed. Here is the message that the CAACQ received from Caroline (from French) :
Here is the story of Survivor, a little dog that we found abandoned in the district of Mercier in Montreal on September 12th.
On our way to work by bicycle, we noticed him, not realizing that it was a dog. I was afraid of him at first, I couldn’t imagine that this animal I saw was a dog he was so skinny, scrawny, weak. When we called, he came to us, timid at first, but immediately so affectionate, begging for hugs and attention.
His physical condition was so terrible, to the point where my husband and I cried. I wasn’t able to stop crying. To see him still alive in this state, for someone who has the slightest respect for animals, is simply inconceivable and unbearable. In Montreal. In 2011.
We picked up the car and brought him to the vet. Along the way, good Samaritans gave him food and we were guided to the vet. Everyone who saw him was shocked.
The vet referred us first to Berger Blanc. I refused, saying I would pay the vet fees. In talking with her then, the vet advised us to call them to see if anyone was looking for him, mentioning that she would not bring him there, as their clinic did not trust them and that they did not believe that things had changed in spite of what the City is trying to make people think. And by looking at the list of veterinarians who work there, it was not reassuring…
After getting confirmation that he would come through, despite all he has lived, he did not seem to have any illness other than his malnutrition, we returned home with him. I contacted Berger Blanc and they told us to bring them the dog. I refused because I didn’t want him to be euthanized. Without demanding his description, I was told that either I bring him in, or I should deal with him on my own by making posters… When I said people must contact them when searchiing for their animals, they said no…
So I contacted the CAACQ as the vet advised me. And we are looking after him until we find him a family. This dog is so gentle and loving and so physically and emotionally depleted. I don’t understand that horrible things like this can happen in my city and that people close their eyes. Things must change. I am ashamed of my city and what humans do to animals.
Hoping that things change and that Survivor will help the animal cause.
Caroline Chaussé
Montreal
So sadly, we don’t need to go far to find our own Patrick, and we can’t continue to shut our eyes. If anyone has any information to share about Survivor, please come forward.
UPDATE :-SEPT 19TH : Great news! Survivor is now sporting the new name Chiko, and has been adopted by his rescuers!
In light of the investigative report on Berger Blanc by Enquête which exposed cruel and barbaric practices, beyond what anyone could have imagined, I implore everyone to simply abstain from bringing any animals there. They do not merit your trust. The piece can be viewed online here. (warning graphic)
Reminder : The petition against them is here
UPDATE – JULY 9TH : If you’re wondering if things are any different at Berger Blanc, they are not! Until they change (close) this post will remain on top.
UPDATE – JULY 14TH : Berger Blanc finally gets around to publishing their strays online! It’s still necessary to verify for your lost pets in person as often as possible!
For weeks I have anticipated the investigative report on Berger Blanc by Enquête with both impatience and dread. For years I’ve been amongst those who knew they weren’t operating as they should but wondered exactly what was happening behind their walls. As the guardian of 3 cats found abandoned on Berger Blanc territory, and a refuge dog that had been slated to be killed (in a different pound), I’m deeply upset thinking about what their fates could have been. But now as I nurse my emotional hangover I’m just furious that the sadism and incompetence will be allowed to continue. Emotions aside, I’ll try to provide a rundown on the latest, in order to help people negotiate what’s happening, and what can be done.
Last year, a disturbing report on a visit to Berger Blanc was the last straw. Finally people have had enough and decide to take concrete action.
Of course Berger Blanc are not the only guilty party here. The enormous quantity of animals that Berger Blanc so brutally handles all come from somewhere. Please don’t support puppy mills and back yard breeders, adopt from shelters. There shouldn’t be such a high volume of animals passing through their doors. (I wonder how many microchips would be found in their landfill). And please sterilize your pets. We need to ask ourselves if we’re part of the problem or the solution.
This post will possibly be updated as I find other pertinent information to pass on. Please stay tuned!
I received a message this morning saying that there is a female shih tzu at the Berger Blanc on Henri Bourassa. She is beige with dark gray and a cataract and is very matted. They say they will keep her just 5 days. She was found in Rivière des Prairies. Please pass this message to your contacts!
UPDATED DESCRIPTION : She is beige caramel with black ear tips, very delicate, about 10-12 lb, fur about an inch and a half long, no sign of cataracts actually. Possibly shih tzu with a bit of bichon. About 3 years old.
UPDATE : Someone went back to get her and she was gone, so I hope she was claimed…
Berger Blanc is the largest for profit animal control service in Canada. What goes on inside its walls? You can finally find out. On April 21 Radio Canada’s Enquête will broadcast an investigative report on Berger Blanc. It will repeat on Radio Canada (CBC French) at 1pm on Saturday the 23rd and on RDI Sunday the 24th at 6pm, and Monday the 25th at 2 am.
A woman just informed me that her neighbor has brought a Himalayan cat to Berger Blanc (March 31st)…: (
The description in case someone is interested or would seek to save what appears to be an adorable cat (according to what the woman told me he is beautiful and very sociable).
Thank you to pass the message …
German shepherd, (black face), unclaimed, seems to be about 3 years old, and possibly injured on his back paw, found in the dog park on Monday, March 21st, id number 1831 at Berger Blanc. They will keep him until Friday.
UPDATE – MARCH 26 : This lucky dog was picked back up from Berger Blanc when it was learned he was in danger. He’s now in the care of Gerdy’s Rescues and Adoptions. I’m quite sure if Berger Blanc would be more transparent about their operations, a lot more animals would be safe.
There is a black and white cat with a red collar at the Berger Blanc, belonging to Dounya Seggad. If anyone knows the owner, or can locate them, their cat is there now, October 27th, but the phone number no longer works, for either the owner or emergency number.
I was sent this request by someone who’d been to the Berger Blanc, in the hopes that these 2 cats might find a rescuer, so I’ll put it out there in case anyone can help, (or is looking for them). Of course time is short.
Cats whose lives you could save :
- Gray cat, big ( huge) in a cage in a very bad state… no chance of adoption… please, if you can help or adopt him
- Orange cat, handsome but hurt in one eye… We know the sick cats, old or hurt are euthanised without trying to help them…
Please help…to save there lives!
You can go to : Le Berger Blanc – 9825 Henri-Bourassa est, Montréal, Qc
