To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 1:23 PM
Subject: Bill C-50

To: The Right Honourable Paul Martin

Re: Bill C-50 – Canada’s Anti-Cruelty Bill

Right Honourable Paul Martin,

Canada remains ineffective in preventing animal cruelty due to a lack of harsher laws and fines against cruelty and neglect towards animals.

I am in support of Bill C-50 (formerly Bill C-22). This bill would greatly improve the sentences for those guilty of animal cruelty and create a true deterrent for those who neglect animals. There needs to be a bill passed to improve anti-cruelty law in Canada to gain better protection for animals and stronger penalties for animal abusers.

Canada’s government has stalled on the passage of this bill and its predecessors for over six years despite public support. Can you please explain this to your supporters!

Legislation is crucial in order to provide long-term benefits to animals. Without effective laws and large fines in cases of cruelty and neglect, animal abuse will continue. For those who make a living from animal cruelty, such as puppy mill owners, the profitability far outweighs any penalties they may receive. The current maximum fine is far too small.

Bill C-50 would make the first significant changes to prevent animal cruelty in Canada since 1892. It is time for Canada to update the law!

Yours truly,

Yvonne McLean

North Vancouver, BC