Stop Animal Abuse

Did you know?

Did you know that Canada’s federal animal cruelty law was originally enacted in 1892? To put this in context, in 1892:

• Canada numbered roughly 4.8 million people
• Women were not considered “persons” under law and were not eligible to vote in federal elections
• Aboriginal religious ceremonies such as potlatches and dances were outlawed under the Indian Act
• Chinese immigrants coming to Canada were singled out and forced to pay a fifty dollar fee to enter the country – a substantial amount of money at the time

Decades ago, people were used to seeing ads like these:

So much has changed in Canada since those times, mostly for the good. As a nation, however, we have failed in bringing progressive positive change to improve the welfare of animals.

• Did you know that a new bill to change this antiquated legislation, the first substantive change to animal cruelty laws in 113 years, was passed by all parties in the House of Commons twice in 2003, but the Senate stood in its way?
• Did you know that the outdated wording of the current law prevents the prosecution of many serious animal abusers?
• Did you know that it’s not an offence to train dogs for fighting?
• Did you know that Canada’s animal cruelty law pales in comparison with many developed countries in Europe, Australia and New Zealand?

What can you do?

Do your research.

Find out what the problems are with our current law and how it can be changed

Take action.

Write to the Justice Minister to ask him to make animal cruelty amendments part of the government’s “Tough on Crime” platform. Ask him why his government refuses to recognize the link between animal abuse and violence against humans. Tell him we need better animal cruelty legislation to protect animals as well as people. Please copy your letter to your own Member of Parliament, the opposition party Justice Critics and the Prime Minister.

Step 1

First Name Last Name Email Postal Code

Step 2

Your Message: Dear Minister, As you know, Canada has one of the oldest animal cruelty laws in the developed world. It was first enacted in 1892 and remains virtually unchanged since then. Bill S-203 was passed in 2008 to amend the law but it only increased the penalties, leaving intact all the loopholes in the way offences are defined. These loopholes continue to prevent the prosecution of many serious animal abusers. Canada needs a law for the 21st century, not the 19th century. Animal cruelty is a grave form of violence that must be addressed. It is also a form of violence that is recognized in reams of authoritative, academic research as a precursor to violence against humans. Why is the Canadian government unable or unwilling to grasp this? We need a law that takes heinous crimes against animals seriously. A bill that would make the necessary changes to Canada’s animal cruelty law has been batted around by Parliament for the past decade and at one time had the support of all parties in the House of Commons as well as animal protection groups, animal use industries and veterinarians. Unfortunately, it has been the victim of misinformation. As a Canadian who cares about animals, I’m asking you to learn the facts about our animal cruelty law and bring forward amendments that will properly protect all animals from cruelty and abuse, while safeguarding important heritage activities including farming, hunting and fishing. I ask you to think of all the animals that have been starved to death, burned in microwaves, beaten, bound and dragged behind cars. They need a law that will protect them from such heinous acts of cruelty. Please, don’t sweep this under the rug any more. Bill S-203 was not the answer. There is no point increasing penalties when so many serious abusers can’t even be prosecuted, let alone convicted. Parliament must stop playing politics with puppies! Sincerely,

Step 3

Send my message to: Prime Minister Minister of Justice Justice Critic My MP Send a copy to my email Subscribe to CFHS eNews Please enter the word you see here

Report animal abuse.

Humaneness begins in the community with people providing responsible care for their animals. If you see animal abuse in your community, call the authorities. Click here to learn more about how to recognize signs of abuse and to order your 8 ½” X 11” poster. We all need to be vigilant in our communities.

Spread the word.

Tell your friends and family about our archaic and weak federal animal cruelty law and why so many animal abusers are not punished. Urge them to order posters and decals too.

Write a letter

Write to the editor of your newspaper or maybe create a Youtube video about the need to end animal cruelty.

Do something. Take action, make yourself heard!

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