The N.W.T. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is urging the local government to change the way it views domestic animals, suggesting they should be seen as living beings with feelings, rather than just objects owned by people.

Currently, under the Dog Act—administered by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs—dogs are classified as property. This means that if a dog owner is taken away by the authorities, their dog can be sold or given away to someone else.

According to CBC, the SPCA has received many complaints from both locals and visitors about how animals are treated in the Northwest Territories. They believe existing laws make it difficult for authorities to intervene when animals are in poor condition.

The report further states that pets are considered property under Ontario law, as is the case in many Canadian jurisdictions. However, in 2024, British Columbia expanded the criteria for courts to consider the well-being of pets during family disputes, such as divorces.