ttp://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=79f5bcb4-3f95-4a48-87df-7dd90d801a59
Province toughens animal cruelty laws
Legislation increases fines for abusing or neglecting animals, as well as grants investigators new powers

Lindsay Kines and Jeff Rud
Vancouver Sun; Canwest News Service

Friday, March 07, 2008

VICTORIA I People convicted of abusing or neglecting animals in B.C. will face tough penalties under legislation introduced Thursday by Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell.

The changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act also give investigators new powers to obtain search warrants and free animals that have been left in vehicles with the windows closed on hot summer days.

Marcie Moriarty of the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the legislation will "without a doubt" save animals' lives.

"We anticipate that this will enable our constables to act more efficiently and effectively and also hold the people responsible for animal abuse accountable for their actions," Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations, said.

Previously, the offence of causing distress to an animal carried a maximum fine of $2,000, a six-month jail sentence or both. The legislation boosts the fine to a maximum of $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for a second.

"So [there is] a significant deterrent now to make sure that you do treat animals appropriately," Bell said.

In addition, investigators trying to rescue abandoned animals from a residence in a remote area will now be able to obtain a search warrant by telephone rather than having to appear in person before a judge.

Moriarty said the change will save valuable time in cases where a few hours can mean the difference between life and death.

"Now, our constables will be able to use the tele-warrant system and save that animal's life right away," she said. "So that's a huge win for animals in B.C."

In the case of animals at risk of suffocating in vehicles, Bell said the legislation will allow investigators to act more quickly to rescue the pet.

"There's not many people in British Columbia that haven't seen a dog in a car on a hot summer day that's in distress," he said. "We hear about it every single year."

In the past, constables had to wait until that dog was in "critical distress."

Now, under the new definition, the officer will be able to assist pets sooner.

"What it means is we'll be able to use the tele-warrant system before the animal goes into critical distress," Moriarty said. "So no, it's not smashing windows. We still have to have a warrant to enter private property. Under the current legislation you'd have to wait until critical distress. But now we'll be able to [act] sooner."

Craig Daniell, chief executive officer of BC SPCA, said the agency has been pushing for the changes for two years.

"This is an historic day for animal protection in British Columbia," he said.

"I believe that British Columbia's really taking that step forward and bringing its legislation into line with other progressive jurisdictions in Canada."