The caacQ Announces the Success of “Le French Connection” with Toronto Animal Services South

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 30, 2009 – caacQ (Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec) a not for profit organization who’s mission is to reduce the number of euthanized companion animals in Québec by supporting the adoption option, public awareness and education, announced today the success of its “Le French Connection” program.

“Le French Connection” is a partnership between the caacQ and Toronto Animal Services (TAS) South to export abandoned dogs from Quebec to TAS South for adoption. From May 1st 2008 to March 21st 2009 the CaacQ successfully rescued and exported 275 dogs which were taken in by TAS South to be matched up with appropriate families. “Les Frenchies” as they are known are driven with pride down the 401 by groups of volunteers who support the caacQ and its’ member.

“Le French Connection” has given a second chance to many dogs who, of no fault of their own end up in the many Québec pounds and shelters waiting to be rescued. The lucky ones are taken in by the caacQ and placed in member adoption centers where the policy is no time limit for adoptable animals.   Others are driven to Ontario as part of the program.

“The caacQ strongly believes that opening more shelters in Québec would not be a solution to the companion animal overpopulation crisis in Québec, as they would be filled to capacity in just weeks. Part of our goal is to educate pet owners on responsible pet ownership and care. TAS South shares the same guiding principles as the caacQ including a pre-adoption sterilization policy. Sterilization is a critical component as we believe it is the best way to control the number of homeless and abandoned companion animals in our Province”, stated Johanne Tassé, President and Founder for the caacQ.

“Our successful partnership with Toronto Animal Service South has proven just how adoptable Québec dogs are. Many people would be surprised at the quality dogs being abandoned in Québec. These are healthy, sociable and friendly dogs that simply had been purchased on impulse. The caacQ has 275 good reasons to pursue the program, added Tassé but we need the financial support of animal lovers in Ontario to pursue the effort and activities of the caacQ.”

Johanne Tassé, President and Founder for the caacQ will be in Ontario on April 8th and is currently accepting interviews from the media to promote the program and encourage Torontonians to adopt from the members of the caacQ located in Québec and share with the community the challenges faced by the caacQ in order to bring greater awareness to the crisis in order to foster change.