Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (also known as OSPCA) is the organizations whose operations include protecting and providing shelter to animals in danger in the province of Ontario. OSPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.
OSPCA was founded in 1873 to protect the welfare of animals and children. The secondary role was later given to the Children's Aid Society of Ontario.[1]
The policing of animal protection was added to the role of police officers in the province in 1887. Investigation and inspection roles were added in 1919 under the Ontario SPCA Act.[1]
In 1955 the OSPCA Act was amended to replace the police role with inspectors from the OSPCA.[1]