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A Look at Animal Protection Laws in Canada

by Logan

With recent high-profile cases of animal abuse and neglect making headlines, it’s important to take a step back and look at the larger picture of how our society treats animals. 

In Canada, there are laws in place at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels that are meant to protect animals from harm. However, some people feel that these laws don’t go far enough in ensuring the well-being of animals. Let’s take a closer look at animal protection laws in Canada.

The Main Canadian Law – The Criminal Code of Canada

The Criminal Code of Canada is the primary source of legislation governing animal cruelty in this country. Section 445.1 of the code establishes three offenses related to animal cruelty: 

  • wilful promotion of cruelty to animals, 
  • wilful infliction of unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal, 
  • abandonment of an animal in distress. 

These offenses can result in a fine of up to $10,000, five years imprisonment, or both.

Provincial Animal Protection Laws in Canada

In addition to the Criminal Code, there are also animal protection laws at the provincial and territorial levels. 

For example, Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act requires that all pets have access to; 

  • food, 
  • water, 
  • shelter, 
  • veterinary care. 

The act also prohibits activities such as leaving a pet locked in a car for extended periods or using a shock collar on a dog. Violations of the act can result in a fine of up to $130,000 or two years of imprisonment.

Not everyone agrees that existing animal protection laws are adequate. In particular, some people feel that the penalties for violating these laws are too lenient. 

For example, while convicted abuser Michael Vick spent 21 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring, the maximum sentence under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act is just two years. There is also concern that not all provinces and territories have animal protection laws that are as robust as those in place elsewhere in the country.

History of Animal Protection in Canada 

Animal protection laws in Canada have a long history, dating back to 1869 when the first Cruelty to Animals Act was passed. This act prohibited activities such as beating, kicking, or wounding an animal and left it up to individual provinces and territories to determine penalties for violators. 

  • In 1892, the Canadian parliament passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which established the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and granted it the power to enforce animal protection laws.
  • The first major update to Canada’s animal cruelty laws came in 1955 with the passage of the revised Criminal Code. This version of the code included a section on animal cruelty for the first time and established penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a $200 fine for anyone convicted of an animal cruelty offense.
  • The Criminal Code was amended again in 2008 to include the three current offenses of wilful promotion of cruelty to animals, wilful infliction of unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal, and abandonment of an animal in distress. 

These changes were made in response to public outcry over a series of high-profile cases of animal abuse, including the case of an Alberta man who was convicted of the cruel treatment of 23 sled dogs.

Despite these updates, some people feel that Canada’s animal protection laws are still not strong enough. In particular, there is concern that the maximum penalties for animal cruelty offenses are too lenient and that not all provinces and territories have animal protection laws that are as robust as those in place elsewhere in the country.

Conclusion

Animal protection laws vary somewhat from province to province and territory to territory in Canada. 

However, all jurisdictions have legislation in place that prohibits activities such as wilfully promoting cruelty to animals or abandoning an animal in distress. Some people feel that these laws don’t go far enough in protecting animals from harm, but they do provide a basic level of protection for our furry (and feathered) friends.