Voting Begins for Community Compliance Summit

Three finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in Community Compliance:

1. Jane Thornthwaite, an elected member of the BC Government, was nominated by the Pacific Region Conference delegates for the introduction of legislation to create standards for ethical breeding.
2. The Ontario SPCA was selected by the Central Region Conference delegates for the development of the High Volume Spey/Neutre program which has lowered the admission of Cats to area shelters.
3. The City of Toronto, Animal Services was nominated by the Central Region Conference delegates for the development of the Chip Truck which demonstrated pet owners are sensitive to value added licensing.

The Summit for Community Compliance recognizes efforts to increase the overall level of compliance in a community from the development of best practices or codes of ethical conduct in the area of licensing, identification, spay/neuter, wellness, recreation, breeding or standards of care. The 2013 Summit for Community Compliance will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public. 

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Hard Working, Passionate Jane Thornthwaite Introduces Standards of Care

Jane Thornthwaite is working hard to keep BC strong,  communities safe, environments green, health care efficient and schools innovative. However, next Tuesday, she will take a break from her campaign in North Vancouver-Seymor, to be the lead-off speaker at the 2013 Regional Conference in Vancouver.

Jane is the mother of three and has lived on the North Shore most of her life. In addition to juggling priorities as an active mother, Jane's experience extends to consulting in healthcare and operating a small business.

The Urban Animal industry across Canada is all ears, because Jane was able to bring forward a private member’s bill, Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals. This bill outlined standards that breeders in British Columbia must meet to ensure the welfare of animals. The legislation intended to strengthen British Columbia’s reputation in animal welfare and support reputable breeders while giving animal agencies new tools to shut down irresponsible breeding operations.

Jane brings her passion and experience to tell the story of how this legislation came forward in British Columbia. A number of 'breeder codes of conduct' have been stalled across the nation. With Jane's hard work, the BC legislation received the backing of all industry sectors. If selected, Jane's legislation could be promoted as a model Standard for Care in the rest of North America. It is certainly an important story for those involved in the Pet Experience Project.

Dog and Cat Breeder Regulations Introduced into BC Legislature

North Vancouver-Seymour's MLA Jane Thornthwaite introduced a Private Member’s Bill, April 23, specifically targeting puppy and kitty mills that will protect legitimate breeders and future pet owners. The bill know as Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals, outlines specific requirements for dog and cat breeders in B.C. to ensure the welfare of companion animals.

Why this matters:

• This legislation will increase public awareness about the standards of care that dog and cat breeders must adhere to.
• The bill declares that breeders of three or more female dogs or cats capable of reproduction will be required not only to understand, but meet, the standards of care in handling and breeding their animals.
• Operators that fail to comply with the legislation will be subject to punishment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
• There are currently non-mandatory regulations for breeders. This legislation implements mandatory regulations for animal care.
• According to a 2007 Ipsos Reid survey, 38 per cent of Canadian households have a pet cat while 35 per cent have a dog. This bill will provide a measure of protection to owners by ensuring that their dogs and cats were bred in a healthy and humane manner.

To view video coverage of the introduction of this new bill, please click one of the links below:

• Video 1
• Video 2

North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite is joined by pet owners and their dogs at the Legislative Assembly on April 23 while she speaks about her bill, Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals.

Information and photo courtesy of the BC Government Caucus Communications department.