Steps to better animal welfare enforcement

By MPP Toby Barrett

To The Haldimand Press

The province has brought in interim animal protection measures, which are a temporary solution until a better, permanent system is in place by next January.

Animal welfare legislation has been enforced by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) since 1919, however, the OSPCA recently decided to stop providing animal welfare enforcement services.

Ontario is taking action to ensure the laws we have in place protect animals from abuse and neglect, and to hold people accountable when they do not properly look after animals under their care. The interim OSPCA Amendment Act allows local humane societies to continue the enforcement work they have been doing for many years.

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To ensure animals are protected in the interim, the public can report animal welfare concerns by calling 1-833-9ANIMAL.

Enforcement of animal welfare legislation has links to many complex issues. In addition to animal abuse and cruelty, an animal welfare situation can involve mental health, hoarding, domestic violence, puppy mills, dogfighting and cockfighting – to name a few. This is why many partners are currently involved and why a model that has been in place for over 100 years cannot be replaced overnight.