Montreal SPCA investigating suspected animal poisonings in Rosemont alley

The Montreal SPCA has launched an investigation after the deaths of two cats and a squirrel, and the suspected poisoning of a third cat, in an alley in the Rosemont–la-Petite-Patrie borough.

“We had the information coming to the SPCA, so of course, we opened an investigation into this matter,” said Debrah Dunlop, assistant director of the SPCA’s Investigation Office.

“What we know is two cats have died, and a squirrel has died, and there’s another, a third cat that was sick, and thankfully, the vet was able, with treatment, to save the cat.”

Dunlop said it is not yet known whether the animals were intentionally poisoned.

“We don’t know if it’s voluntary poisoning. We don’t know that yet because we just opened the investigation, and that’s what we have to determine,” she said.

Investigators say they are focusing on an alleyway at the corner of Christophe-Colomb Avenue and Bélanger Street — known by locals as “la ruelle du peuplier” for the large poplar tree there.

Dunlop said the tree attracts squirrels and other animals, which may explain why multiple cases happened in the same spot.

She said antifreeze or windshield washer fluid are the suspected culprits, as they have “a sweetness to it, which attracts animals. So, when it’s ingested, it brings their sugar level up and they die.”

However, she stressed that the detail hasn’t been confirmed.

“The best way to confirm that really would be through an autopsy,” she said, adding that SPCA investigators are trying to reach at least one pet owner to obtain the remains of one of the deceased cats for testing.

“With the owner’s consent, plus with the body, do we still have the cat’s remains? I haven’t been able to contact the person yet,” Dunlop said.

The incidents are believed to have happened late last week.

Dunlop is urging residents to come forward with information.

“An investigation is a little bit like a puzzle, and each person has potential information, and with the little pieces of information, we can maybe put it all together and come up with a potential suspect,” she said.

SPCA is ‘like the police for animals’

She explained that the SPCA, not the police, is mandated to investigate cases of cruelty and mistreatment of animals in Quebec.

“We’re like the police for animals,” she said. “We are mandated to do investigations for cruelty and mistreatment. So the police, it takes a little bit of work off their hands. We cover all of Quebec, criminally.”

The team consists of six animal protection agents, three criminal investigators, Dunlop as supervisor, and a director.

As for advice to cat owners in the area, Dunlop hesitated to recommend they keep their pets indoors.

“Anybody who lives in Montreal knows that there are all kinds of animals on the streets of Montreal. So, it doesn’t help anything to keep your cat inside,” she said. “First of all, we don’t know if it’s criminal yet. Second of all, outside, there are dangerous things outside… It’s always a risk when you let an animal out, just like when we go outside.”

Dunlop said progress in the case will depend on tips from the public.

“The least little piece of information put with another piece of information. Well, it could lead somewhere,” she said. “My investigators will be out there. I’ll be out there, and they’re going to see us in the neighbourhood… trying to find where it comes from, if it’s voluntary, if it’s an accident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPCA through its website, by phone or by email.

To report animal abuse, call 514 735-2711 ext. 2230 or email [e-mail]