Quebec Court of Appeal hears case on granting tenants the right to have pets

Quebec Court of Appeal hears case on pet clauses
Quebec Court of Appeal hears case on pet clauses
Rocky, a three-year-old dog awaiting adoption, walks around at an SPCA location in Montreal on June 27, 2025.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Writer

The Quebec Court of Appeal is hearing arguments on whether the right to have pets should be protected by law.

Last March, housing tribunal Judge Suzanne Guèvremont ruled that lease clauses banning pets violate Charter rights to liberty and privacy.

Guèvremont also argued in her decision that the evolution of animal protection laws, which recognize the bond between humans and their pets, required case law to evolve as well. 

Amilis, the company that owns the building in which the complainant lives, appealed the decision. 

The company's lawyer, Damarys Pineda, argued Wednesday morning that the judge had gone beyond her authority by acting as a substitute for the legislature, which is responsible for pet clauses.

Arguments presented by the attorneys for M Desjardins, the complainant, and the Montreal SPCA, which is supporting the case, were scheduled to be heard Wednesday afternoon.

By Pierre Saint-Arnaud | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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