CVMA offers to help develop Animal Cruelty bill

Private member's Bill C-592 to amend the Criminal Code animal cruelty section was tabled in April 2014 by Member of Parliament Isabelle Morin. At that time, MP Morin contacted the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) requesting support for this Bill. 

After careful consideration, CVMA has declined the request, instead offering to work with MP Morin to develop an amendment to the animal cruelty section of the Criminal Code that addresses the weaknesses in the current legislation. 

Amendments proposed by CVMA include: 

• Moving animal cruelty offenses out of the property section of the Criminal Code
• Adding an offense for 'brutal and vicious' killing of animals
• Removing the term 'willful neglect' as burden of proof for animal cruelty conviction

For more information, visit www.canadianveterinarians.net. 

Alberta bill proposed tougher animal cruelty legislation

Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis announced last week he will support a private member's bill on animal cruelty. 

The bill by Len Webber, an independent legislature member from Calgary, would double maximum fines for animal abuse and allow for up to six months in jail. Denis says he plans to propose an amendment that would make the bill even tougher by calling for mandatory minimum sentences and increased jail time. 

READ THE CANADIAN PRESS ARTICLE 

Industry Leaders Comment on BC Breeder Reform Legislation

InfoStream reported last week that a private member's bill was introduced in British Columbia that would regulate the 'Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals'. Several industry organizations have now provided their perspective on this matter:

PIJAC Canada:

We support this Bill and applaud this initiative as it will ultimately result in healthier, better socialized dogs made available to people of British Columbia. Our association recognizes the need to address the issue of substandard breeding operations. We appreciate the fact that this Bill seeks to protect both the breeding stock and their progeny. In setting a template for proper veterinary care and husbandry, proper record keeping and proper socialization, this Bill addresses key components of a blueprint that will result in healthier, happier pets.

Joe Mauro, Chair, Task Force - Breeder Codes of Ethical Conduct:

Anything that makes our communities healthier and safer is always welcome and I will be watching intently the progress on this private member’s bill. My hope is the voice of the companion industry, in particular the breeders, will be heard throughout the process should this bill reach second reading. The industry has done some good work already with the establishment of the Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct and breeder input will be critical to creating effective and progressive legislation.  Personally, I would hate to see a repeat of what happened in Ontario with the pit-bull legislation which is currently under review by the government because it isn’t working and breeder input that would have been progressive was originally ignored.

Summits for Urban Animal Strategies:

The alumni and associates of the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies have supported various conversations moving the industry toward breeder compliance. The Pacific Regional Summit last week, provided a sense the industry supports legislation that is complimentary to the national breeder codes of ethical conduct.

Moreover, the industry desires participation from those who support this bill, as the conversation develops toward certified breeder quality marks and a safe online marketplace for prospective pet families. Evidence provided at the Pacific Regional Summit seems to suggest that making prior knowledge and realistic expectations available to the marketplace can reduce or eliminate the number of animals that experience relinquishment in our communities.


Should the regulatory framework be national or provincial?
While no companion animal industry organization provided direction in this matter, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association recently commented on pending legislation in Nova Scotia for Consumer Protection that may be a useful perspective.

Please take a moment and provide your comments.

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.