Ontario introduces new animal welfare legislation
Canwest News Service
Published: Thursday, April 03, 2008
Ontario introduced new legislation today which the government hopes will improve animal welfare and make the province's animal-protection laws the strongest in Canada.
"We will not tolerate the abuse of animals, including those kept in roadside zoos," said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci. "If passed, this legislation would offer the strongest animal protection in Canada."
Some key changes in the proposed provincial animal welfare act include:
Jail, fines - of up to $60,000 -and a lifetime ownership ban for those who abuse animals;
. Requiring veterinarians to report suspected abuse and neglect, and protecting them from liability for doing so;
. Allowing the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to inspect places where animals are kept for entertainment, exhibition, boarding, sale or hire.
The province says the proposals are the first comprehensive amendments to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act since it was introduced in 1919.
© Canwest News Service 2008