Ontario has struggled to collect over 90 percent of the funds owed by individuals accused of animal abuse, as revealed by documents obtained through freedom-of-information requests. Since the establishment of Animal Welfare Services (AWS) in 2019, the province has issued statements of account totaling $10,633,241 for the care of seized animals. However, the Ministry of Finance has managed to collect only $1,020,582 within this seven-year period, leaving a staggering balance of more than $9 million uncollected.
Michael Kerzner, the Solicitor General responsible for animal welfare in Ontario, acknowledged the situation when questioned, expressing intent to investigate the issue further. Despite this acknowledgment, the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the collection process, did not provide a comment regarding the low collection rate when approached by media representatives.
The Ontario government implemented the AWS following the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' departure from enforcing animal cruelty laws. Currently, the province employs around 100 animal welfare inspectors assigned to investigate allegations of cruelty across Ontario, encompassing pets, livestock, and animals in various settings such as farms, zoos, and aquariums. Kerzner defended these inspectors, citing their commitment to animal advocacy and protection.
According to the government documentation, the "statement of account" issued to animal owners outlines the costs incurred for the care, treatment, and shelter of animals while they are in AWS protective custody before any forfeiture. Donna Power, president of the advocacy group Humane Initiative, expressed her shock at the low collection rate, emphasizing her concerns and lack of confidence in AWS and the Solicitor General's office. Her motivation for filing freedom-of-information requests stemmed from a perceived lack of transparency and accountability from the provincial government regarding its animal welfare operations.
Power reached out to the Ministry of Finance to inquire about the methods employed to address the low collection rates and ensure that taxpayers are not unduly burdened. A collection specialist from the ministry responded, detailing the standard collection methods in use, including phone calls, letters, skip tracing, and negotiating payment arrangements. As of February 2026, the ministry will have authorization to implement enhanced collection tools, such as liens, warrants, and garnishments, aiming to improve recovery rates for outstanding AWS accounts.
However, the government’s commitment to enforcement has been questioned by political leaders. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser highlighted the ineffectiveness of enforcing laws without any real penalties. He argued that the enforcement of animal protection laws is essential to changing behavior among offenders. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner echoed these sentiments, stating that failing to collect $9 million in alleged payments sends a troubling message about the government's seriousness regarding animal protection.
Both Fraser and Schreiner have called for increased efforts from the province to ensure that animal protection laws are enforced adequately. The lack of action in recovering dues from alleged animal abusers raised concerns about the deterrent impact this has on future incidents of animal cruelty.
This situation presents an ongoing challenge for the Ontario government as it attempts to balance animal welfare with fiscal responsibility, leading to significant questions about the integrity and efficacy of its animal protection legal framework.
