This article written in french by Corinne Prince was automatically translated using AI
The opinion of all the volunteers interviewed by Courrier Laval as part of its series of articles on stray cats is clear: sending homeless felines to Berger Blanc is a “death sentence.”
Even though many citizens have been advocating for the implementation of a Capture-Sterilization-Release-Maintenance (CSRM) program for years, they do not support releasing sterilized stray cats in Laval under the current circumstances.
“It’s not a good idea to release the cats because, at some point, the city will call in Berger Blanc,” says Valérie (a fictitious name), a volunteer involved in rescuing stray cats in Chomedey. “It’s a death sentence. […] It’s a double-edged sword because, sure, I release them, but the city doesn’t want you to feed them. So why do all this just to send them to their death? All it takes is one annoyed neighbor to file complaints.”
“In Laval, the only solution for stray cats is to trap them, take them to Berger Blanc, and euthanize them,” adds Christine Péron, a Fabreville resident who has repeatedly addressed the city council to demand the implementation of CSRM in the region. “Euthanasia at Berger Blanc is too kind a term. […] I don’t know how it’s done now, but back then, it was a gas chamber.”
On Berger Blanc’s website, no information is provided regarding its mission or procedures for animal services.
In 2012, Courrier Laval reported that euthanasia was carried out by “barbiturate injection.”
Contract
Animal services management in Laval has been handled by Berger Blanc for over 15 years.
In 2014, the contract was awarded to Auberge Zen for a two-year term but was not renewed. The latest agreement was signed in December 2022 for a three-year period, with the option to renew in 2026 and 2027.
Berger Blanc was the only provider capable of meeting the city’s needs and complying with current regulations during the most recent calls for tenders. However, according to Marc-Aurèle-Fortin city councilor Louise Lortie, the animal center would not be able to implement a potential CSRM program.
By the end of 2027, the animal center is projected to have received $13.5 million over 12 years in Laval.
The City of Laval confirmed in early March that the company currently receives a fixed amount of $74,500 per month to fulfill all its contractual obligations.
“Currently, the management of stray cats [and all other types of stray animals] in Laval primarily relies on their intake by Berger Blanc, which prioritizes adoption whenever possible,” confirms Carolanne L. Gagnon, public affairs advisor for the City of Laval. “Under the current contract, Berger Blanc is required to refuse euthanasia for any healthy animal. Each captured animal undergoes an examination by a veterinarian, who assesses its health and behavior. This professional determines whether the animal is adoptable or if euthanasia is justified, particularly due to severe injuries, incurable illnesses, or unrehabilitable behavior.”
Furthermore, the city certifies that the claim that Berger Blanc’s compensation is tied to the number of euthanasias performed is false.
“[The contract] imposes strict obligations regarding care, animal welfare, and compliance with current veterinary and legal protocols,” states the city’s communications and marketing department. “Euthanasia, when performed, is a last-resort measure […]. The provider’s mission is primarily to ensure the rehabilitation, adoption, and sterilization of rescued animals while protecting the public.”
Despite multiple requests for comment from Courrier Laval, Berger Blanc did not respond.
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