New animal cruelty bill introduced into B.C. legislature
March 6, 2008. For immediate release. The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is expressing overwhelming support for a new bill introduced into the B.C. Legislature today that will significantly increase protection for abused and neglected animals in the province. The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, introduced by the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, address several significant gaps in B.C.'s existing animal cruelty legislation. The BC SPCA has been actively campaigning for changes to the PCA Act for more than two years through its province-wide End Animal Cruelty campaign. The non-profit animal welfare organization collected more than 50,000 petitions in support of the campaign.

"We are really thrilled with the proposed changes to the legislation," said BC SPCA Chief Executive Officer Craig Daniell. "The amendments will dramatically increase our ability to respond quickly and effectively in cases where animals are abused, abandoned or neglected." Last year, the BC SPCA's 54 special constables responded to more than 4,500 complaints of animal cruelty. The 113-year-old society is the only animal welfare organization in the province with the mandate and authority to enforce animal cruelty laws and to present cases to Crown counsel for prosecution.

Marcie Moriarty, General Manager of Cruelty Investigations for the BC SPCA, said the amendments will not only enable the BC SPCA to enter property more quickly to assist animals in distress, but will lead to stronger cases and an even more successful conviction rate for animal abusers.

The proposed bill includes the following key changes:

Expands the definition of distress beyond "inadequate food, water and shelter" to include animals who are deprived of adequate ventilation, space, care or veterinary treatment. This is particularly significant in cases involving overcrowded puppy mills, dogs left in hot cars, situations in which livestock are contained without adequate space, animals deprived of veterinary care and other cases where officers have not been able to intervene unless an animal was in critical distress.

Enables BC SPCA constables to obtain a warrant to seize an animal using the telewarrant system - a life-saving change for animals in distress in remote locations. In the past officers in remote areas have sometimes been forced to delay helping an animal in distress because a judge was not available in the area to issue a warrant. With the ability to obtain a warrant via telephone, BC SPCA officers can enter property and act immediately to help an animal in distress.

Increases the maximum penalties handed down under the PCA Act from $2,000 to $5,000 and to $10,000 for a second offence. In the case of repeat offenders, such as puppy mill operators, the fines will now be a significant deterrent.

Increases obstruction of justice penalties in animal cruelty cases from $100 to $2,000. This provides a significant deterrent to individuals, such a pet stores owners and breeders who refuse to let the BC SPCA inspect their facilities and others who obstruct the investigation of an SPCA constable.

Enables BC SPCA constables not only to search for evidence but to seize evidence of an offence. Logistically it has been difficult in the past to obtain the two warrants needed to seize evidence (one PCA Act warrant to search the property and a second warrant under the Offence Act to seize the evidence). Any evidence found without the second warrant could not be used in the prosecution of an accused animal abuser. Under the new bill, evidence discovered under the PCA Act warrant would be admissible in court.
Moriarty said the proposed amendments are a clear demonstration of the province's commitment to animal welfare. "Passage of this bill will raise the bar on animal welfare in B.C. and will send a strong message to those who abuse animals that this kind of horrific cruelty will not be tolerated."

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For more information:
Marcie Moriarty, General Manager, Cruelty Investigations, 604-647-1318;
Craig Daniell, Chief Executive Officer, BC SPCA, 604-647-1322;
Lorie Chortyk, General Manager, Community Relations, 604-647-1316 or 604-830-7179.