We are excited to share an important update in Ontario animal welfare policy.
Under Prescribed procedures — section 22 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 and related regulations, Ontario has identified certain procedures as restricted when performed for non-medical reasons.
These include:
These procedures will only be permitted if a veterinarian determines they are medically necessary to treat an injury or disease, and the decision is documented in the animal’s medical records.
This means these procedures cannot be performed for cosmetic or convenience reasons.
This regulation will come into force on January 1, 2027.
This is an important step forward in protecting animals from unnecessary pain and harm.
It also reinforces the importance of working with veterinary teams on safe, humane alternatives for common concerns such as scratching, barking, or training challenges.
At Toronto Humane Society, we have long advocated against unnecessary cosmetic procedures like these, and we are glad to see this important step forward in Ontario policy. It reflects a continued shift toward care that prioritizes an animal’s health, wellbeing, and natural behaviour over appearance.
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