Please join over 150,000 supporters who have recently signed petitions, wrote letters and rallied across Canada asking the Gov’t to Support effective animal cruelty legislation like Bill C-373 (now C-229) to Stop Animal Cruelty in Canada!
Bill C-229- http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3619379&Language=e&Mode=1&File=24
Also supported by every animal welfare group in Canada inc CVMA, CFHS, IFAW, SPCA, WSPA, Protective services, etc!
UPDATE!!
Due to the election call and then Parliament being prorogued, C-373 was dropped and identical Bill C-229 has been re-introduced by MP Mark Holland! Please note the Bill name change (again, lol)
On Wed Apr 9, 2008, the Government passed ineffective S-203! (The Bill we all opposed.) We really need your help to show them we’re not settling for this placebo bill! Please continue to write letters, email, call your MP, sign petitions, write letters to editors, etc!
Many MP’s indicated they would support S-203 now and a new equivalent of C-373 when it came up (C-229), so we really need to keep the pressure on so they don’t let this issue slide and make it appear as though they accomplished something when in fact, S-203 changes virtually nothing except the fines that were increased (same as C-373, C-229).
Animal abusers will continue to go unpunished because the vague and archaic wording remains the same and is full of loop-holes.
Bill S-203 is a sham, promoted by politicians to placate the Canadian public while avoiding meaningful change. Its only new provision is an increase in the maximum penalties judges can impose. This will not help the animals because it’s nearly impossible to prosecute animal cruelty in Canada – less than one percent of animal abuse complaints lead to convictions. What good are stronger penalties when we can’t get convictions?
Why Bill S-203 (formerly S-213) is not good enough:
- it only covers animals that are “property”; therefore, “unowned” animals, such as strays and wildlife will not be protected. Animal cruelty provisions should protect all animals not just “those kept for a lawful purpose”
- it does not include a clear and concise definition of “animal”
- it does not criminalize individuals who train or organize animals to fight other animals or those who bet on animal fights
- it does not make it an offence to kill an animal with brutal and/or vicious intent, whether or not the animal dies immediately
- it makes it virtually impossible to prosecute cases of neglect because it’s antiquated 116 yr old wording remains
The danger of Bill S-203 is that it could create an illusion that strong action has been taken, when it has not. ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY WILL CONTINUE TO GO UNPUNISHED!
THERE IS A BETTER WAY: Legislation based on BILL C-373 (now C-229), would increase penalties for animal cruelty offences and effectively close the loopholes in the Criminal Code that make it difficult for enforcement agencies and the courts to convict animal abusers. Despite unfounded paranoia fueled by uninformed MP’s and misguided people, C-373 (C-229) protects against prosecution and allows for all regular hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, industry practices to continue!
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP!
Please see “Contact your MP” page for more info on letters and contacting your MP!
Go to ”Help with Petition” page for easy way to help gather signatures!
See “Animal Cruelty News” for latest news and updates! (Also C comments on other pages for tons more info!)
Remember letters to editors help spread awareness also!
Please help spread the word and pass this page on! We need to continue the Canada wide show of support!
Please see Amendments at a glance here and compare Bill differences!
More great info can be found at CFHS!
http://cfhs.ca/law/federal_legislation/
http://cfhs.ca/law/commonly_asked_questions_regarding_animal_cruelty_amendments/
http://cfhs.ca/law/what_can_you_do/
http://cfhs.ca/law/canadians_have_spoken/
http://cfhs.ca/news/animal_protection_groups_dismayed_over_passage_of_loophole_ridden_bill
MP Mark Holland’s latest News on Bills
http://www.markholland.ca/issues/animals.htm
Mark speaks in the House against S-203, Mar 10
WSPA
(Great link to easily see how your MP voted and send a letter!)
Join us on Facebook for the latest news, media stories and discussion!!
Group- Stop Animal Cruelty in Canada with effective legislation3
Cause- Stop animal cruelty in Canada with effective legislation!
Thanks for supporting effective animal cruelty legislation in Canada!
