NEWS
Ontario is moving to significantly toughen laws that protect animals.
The government has introduced legislation today which, if passed, would better protect animals throughout the province, including those in zoos. These changes would offer the strongest animal protection in Canada.
Key changes in the proposed Provincial Animal Welfare Act include:
Protecting animals with tough new rules and appropriate penalties including jail, fines and a potential lifetime ownership ban
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 (OSPCA) to inspect places where animals are kept for entertainment, exhibition, boarding, sale or hire.
QUOTES
David Zimmer said the legislation will go well beyond his own private member's bill that called for greater protection of animals in "roadside zoos" that spring up as tourist attractions around Ontario during the summer months.
"It sets standard of care (for) all manner of animals, it sets up an inspection regime and it's an awareness program," Zimmer said. "So this is going to be good news."
QUICK FACTS
These are the first widespread changes to the OSPCA Act since it was introduced in 1919.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals awarded the Special Award for Leadership in Animal Welfare to Willowdale MPP David Zimmer in 2007 for his work towards regulating roadside zoos. The proposed legislation builds on his work.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about animal welfare in Ontario.
Find out more about the Ontario SPCA.
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Contact:
Lauren Consky
416-327-4516