Ontario launches animal-cruelty hotline, new chief inspector appointed

TORONTO – Ontario’s solicitor general has launched a new 24-hour animal-cruelty hotline.

She also named a new chief inspector to oversee a temporary anti-cruelty-enforcement regime.

A spokeswoman says the government has appointed Ontario Provincial Police Insp. Paula Milne as the new chief.

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In March, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it was getting out of enforcement by today.

The association has had police-like powers for 100 years.

The province is now revamping the law and is expected to introduce legislation in the fall.

The temporary regime begins Saturday and will include a team of officers with expertise in inspecting zoos, aquariums, horses and livestock.

Residents can call 1-833-9ANIMAL with cruelty concerns.