By Lorianna De Giorgio

The World Society for the Protection of Animals honoured Willowdale MPP David Zimmer for his commitment to animals and their well-being.

Zimmer received the international organization's Special Award for Leadership in Animal Welfare earlier this month, commending him for his private member's bill to regulate roadside zoos, putting an end to the days when just about anyone could open their own zoo without proper licensing.

Dubbed the Zimmer Zoo Bill, Bill 154 fought for protecting animal's rights.

For years, WSPA has witnessed and fought against the suffering of countless animals, including those kept in roadside zoos,Melissa Tkachyk, WSPA's programs officer, said in a prepared statement.

We would like to recognize David Zimmer for championing this issue and the Ontario government for committing to change.

The award extended gratitude to Dalton McGuinty's government for its dedication to changing Ontario laws and creating new penalties for persons convicted of animal cruelty.

Further commendation was given for making it a provincial offence to cause distress to an animal, creating penalties of up to six months in jail and $25,000 fine for an animal abuse conviction.

As well, WSPA celebrated other province initiatives including banning animal fighting, requiring veterinarians to report suspected abuse, and an increase to $500,000 of annual funding for the Ontario SPCA in an effort to support inspector and agent training. Current annual funding is set at $115,000.

Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield and York-Centre MPP Monte Kwinter accepted the award on behalf of the government. Cansfield is in charge of licensing of native wildlife in captivity.

As the former Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, longtime MPP Kwinter was in charge of the SPCA and pushed for the province's animal wellfare commitment.

Zimmer couldn't be reached for comment at press time.

Contact:
Lauren Consky
Office of David Zimmer
MPP for Willowdale
416-327-4516