A word from the founder

Today, on World Animal Day, I feel encouraged and moved by the many people and groups around the world speaking up for animals. Their compassion and determination offer hope—and remind us how much we can do together.
Animals continue to suffer in many ways, including in industrial farming and slaughterhouses. I will not recount that suffering here. Instead, I want to acknowledge our responsibility, as stewards of this planet, to treat animals and other living creatures with greater care and compassion.

At GentleWays for OurPlanet, we advocate for high standards of animal welfare. Since our founding, we have given particular attention to crustaceans, including lobsters and crabs, working to alleviate their suffering through stronger legal protection here in Ontario.

With the support of many members of the public, our petition was presented by our MPP to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in late 2025. Earlier this year, we received a formal government response, as well as separate correspondence from the Solicitor General, whose ministry oversees the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019—the PAWS Act. Although no immediate action was promised, the Solicitor General indicated that the Act provides a possible path for regulatory changes. Pursuing protection for crustaceans, with a particular focus on ending the practice of boiling them alive, will remain one of our priorities this fall and in the coming year.