It is not law yet - the Senate needs to pass it..

IFAW and CFHS congratulate Liberals, NDP on passing animal cruelty law
C-15B now moves to the Senate

(Ottawa - Tuesday, June 4, 2002) The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) today applauded Liberal and NDP members of Parliament for passing Bill C-15B, which contains important changes to the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, at Third Reading.

"It's a good day for the animals," IFAW National Director Dr. Rick Smith said. "After three years of pointless debate, enough is enough. The Liberals and NDP are to be congratulated for fulfilling Canadians'
expectations by finally moving this reasonable legislation forward."

Bill C-15B provides stronger sentencing options for those individuals convicted of deliberate acts of animal cruelty, and updates a section of the Criminal Code that has not been substantially amended since 1892.

"Bill C-15B is an excellent piece of public policy," said Bob Van Tongerloo, CFHS Executive Director. "Written with prudence, it is designed to give law enforcement officials the tools they need to catch animal abusers, while offering reasonable protection to legitimate and law-abiding animal industries."

"The current, outdated law has allowed scores of perpetrators of ruthless animal cruelty to go virtually unpunished," Mr. Van Tongerloo added. "It is past time the federal government actively protects those who cannot speak for themselves."

"The many supporters of C-15B believe the Bill is well-considered and deserves passage in its current form. We now look forward to the Senate's deliberations on this important legislation," concluded Dr. Smith.