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B.C. introduces amendments to PCA Act

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
May 12th, 2011

The Province introduced legislation today to give British Columbia the toughest animal cruelty laws in Canada with higher penalties and greater accountability, following the slaughter of as many as 100 sled dogs last year.

The amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act increase fines for animal cruelty convictions to a maximum of $75,000 and allow jail terms of up to two years, up from the current maximums of $10,000 and six months.

The amendments to the act originated from the reported mass killing of 100 sled dogs last April. The appointment of a provincially-led Sled Dog Task Force and its subsequent report demonstrated a need to update the animal protection laws in B.C.

In addition to the tougher penalties, the task force also recommended mandatory standards for sled-dog operators and increased funding for the SPCA.

The amendments also include extending the statute of limitations for offences under the act to three years from six months and holding owners, companies and others responsible for animals more accountable for the welfare of the animals.

The amendment also gives government more ability to regulate specific activities relating to the use, care and protection of animals, including sled dogs and service animals such as dogs and horses used by police.

A team of investigators from the SPCA is still probing the sled-dog cull, and finished Tuesday digging up the mass grave near Whistler.

 

Proposed changes introduced in the legislature are:

• Greater deterrence of future crimes through higher penalties.

• B.C. will now have the toughest animal cruelty penalties in the country with fines up to $75,000 and jail terms of up to two years.

• In addition, we are extending the statute of limitations for offences under the act from six months to three years.

• Holding owners, companies and others responsible for animals more accountable for the welfare of those animals.

• New ability for government to regulate specific activities pertaining to the use, care and protection of animals – including sled dogs and service animals such as dogs and horses used by police.

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