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Province commits to strengthen animal protection laws
The McGuinty government announced Friday (Aug. 31) it would toughen Ontario's animal protection laws, a move animal activists are calling an "historic commitment." The announcement was made by Community Safety and Corrections Minister Monte Kwinter, almost one year after Bill 154 – which would've given teeth to animal legislation in Ontario – was tabled by Liberal MPP David Zimmer. Earlier this year, the issue of roadside zoos and weak animal protection laws in Ontario was front and centre on the international stage when an Australian kangaroo named Tyson, held in an exhibit in London's Lickety Split Zoo, drew the ire of Australian government officials. Below is a video of Tyson shot last year (courtesy of ontariozoos.ca) Hot on the heels of Tyson, local activists rallied for the kangaroo and other animals in roadside zoos and pledge to pressure the government to change its animal legislation laws. But Premier Dalton McGuinty prorogued the house three weeks early, leaving more than 100 private member's bills, including Bill 154, to die on the order paper. The adjournment came three weeks earlier than the previous planned date of June 28. The Lickety Split Ranch and Zoo did not open its gates for visitors this season and the owner has since appeared in Ontario court in regards to charges that the zoo failed to renew its annual licence to keep native wildlife. The whereabouts or fate of Tyson is still not known. In Friday's announcement, Kwinter said the McGuinty government is "committed to working with animal experts across Ontario to develop some of the toughest animal safety standards in the country." Zimmer, who originally tabled Bill 154, said he was happy his government was taking serious action in regards to roadside zoos. "These new measures will further protect animals from cruelty. Today is a big win for the animals, the public and animal rights groups." Opposition Leader John Tory was critical of the government's announcement. But Tory's own comments seemed only to apply to domestic, household pets, and failed to mention the issue of roadside zoos. "(McGuinty's) latest pre-election 'forgive me for not acting for the last four years' announcement isn't the action Ontario needs to protect household pets. This province has the weakest animal protection laws in all of Canada," Tory said. The McGuinty government's announcement was applauded by animal activists and those who work to protect animals in Ontario. Calling it an "historic commitment," Melissa Tkachyk, programs officer with the World Society for Protection of Animals, said it marks a turning point for animals and Ontario is about to become a leader in promoting higher standards for animal welfare. "For years WSPA has witnessed and fought against the suffering of countless animals in Ontario zoos, and we are thrilled by this announcement," she said, noting legislation in this regard had not been changed for 88 years. "Today is a great day for animals, and WSPA applauds the McGuinty government for committing to change." Part of the announcement included an immediate increase in funding for the Ontario SPCA to $500,000, from its present annual level of $119,000. This funding is aimed at supporting inspector and agent training, and an additional one-time funding of $100,000 for OSPCA agents to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to implement an interim zoo inspection plan. "Today is an important day for the Ontario SPCA network and for countless animals across Ontario in need of protection," said Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector Hugh Coghill. "With this announcement, the society will be better equipped to help the animals we're mandated to protect under law." In an Ontario Government press release, officials said the government recognizes the need to modernize the Ontario Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act to regulate premises such as roadside zoos, make cruelty to animals a provincial offence and ensure there are serious consequences for people who abuse animals. Additional highlights from the government's commitment include: *Giving Ontario SPCA agents broader authority to inspect commercial premises like zoos where mistreatment of animals is suspected *Introduce a new toll-free hotline for the public to report distressed or mistreated animals *Making it a provincial offence to cause distress to an animal *Imposing penalties of up to $25,000 and six months in jail for an animal abuse conviction Tkachyk said she is not concerned that much of this commitment is contingent on a Liberal re-election Oct. 10. "Since David Zimmer's Bill received support from MPPs of all stripes, I'm confident that all of Ontario's political parties will work towards fulfilling today's commitment," she said. Tkachyk noted that Tory recently announced his commitment to improve protection for captive wildlife at a meeting with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, but the WSPA and others are waiting for more specifics. "We suspect his party agrees that existing zoo regulations and that the Ontario SPCA Act are woefully inadequate at protecting animals and the public," Tkachyk said, adding the WSPA is hopeful that the announcement made by the McGuinty government will encourage Tory to strengthen his commitment to include the protection of all animals. |
| I'm not a big Liberal fan, however with McGuinty gov. acting on behalf of the ones who can not speak (animals) my hat goes off to you - finally! A gov. party who listens to the peole on a matter! It's 85% of the Canadian people will to ban horse slaughter and not to ship our horses out of the country for humane consumption - wonder what McGuinty gov. can do for us here. www.defendhorsescanada.org www.ban horse slaughter canada on line petition |
| By: C. McPherson on 09/15/2008 |
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