The provincial government announced today it is starting a review and consultation process to consolidate and update existing animal health and protection legislation with the intent of introducing a new Animal Health and Protection Act.
"Societal expectations and attitudes towards the care of animals have changed and the time has come to review our animal protection legislation, including the fines and penalties for inappropriate treatment of animals and neglect," Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale said.
"This review will result in a new piece of legislation that is comprehensive and all encompassing and provides the greatest protection and enforcement possible in regards to animal welfare."
The six acts under review are the Animal Protection Act, Dog Act, Heritage Animals Act, Livestock Act, Livestock Health Act and Poultry and Poultry Products Act.
Most of this legislation was enacted in the 1970s and has not been significantly updated. The Animal Health and Protection Act will address the definition of animal cruelty and appropriate penalties, enforcement and animal control activities.
For further details on the review process or to submit a written submission, visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/consultation.
Animal protection legislation to be updated
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Published on
April 30, 2009
- Published on June 30, 2010
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Staff ~ The Telegram
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Comments
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- NL student
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:54:16
Society's views towards animals are changing and this is a step in the right direction. Yes, cruelty will likely continue in many forms, but at least this represents recognition of the problem and a desire to change it. Every reform has to start somewhere.
And as for farming practices, if you don't like them, don't eat the meat. I haven't eaten factory farmed food in over a decade, alternatives do exist. -
- Animal Lover
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:54:03
These changes are a long time coming. One can only hope that they will have enough bite to the new legislation to truly make a difference.
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- mike
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:50:12
It would nice if the current laws were enforced, not to say there isnt need for change. But what good is change if the laws are not enforced. Simple leash laws in this city are ignored on a regular basis and thats in the public eye.
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- Dave
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:44:46
This is long overdue. It's about time someone finally updated this legislation to the 21st century. You don't have to look very far in any neighbourhood in any municipality to see instances of animal abuse or at least neglect.
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- liz
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:43:34
I hope they really stiffen up fines and punishment for anyone caught abusing a defenceless animal. After almost 40 years I'd say it's about time the act was updated.
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- WTF
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:41:45
Strange. A quick look at the acts and their regulations show that there have been frequent updates to sections contained in them. The latest being in 2004. Is this more of show than substance.
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- NL student
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:39:48
Society's views towards animals are changing and this is a step in the right direction. Yes, cruelty will likely continue in many forms, but at least this represents recognition of the problem and a desire to change it. Every reform has to start somewhere.
And as for farming practices, if you don't like them, don't eat the meat. I haven't eaten factory farmed food in over a decade, alternatives do exist. -
- Animal Lover
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:39:24
These changes are a long time coming. One can only hope that they will have enough bite to the new legislation to truly make a difference.
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- mike
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:32:46
It would nice if the current laws were enforced, not to say there isnt need for change. But what good is change if the laws are not enforced. Simple leash laws in this city are ignored on a regular basis and thats in the public eye.
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- Dave
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:23:51
This is long overdue. It's about time someone finally updated this legislation to the 21st century. You don't have to look very far in any neighbourhood in any municipality to see instances of animal abuse or at least neglect.
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- liz
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:21:47
I hope they really stiffen up fines and punishment for anyone caught abusing a defenceless animal. After almost 40 years I'd say it's about time the act was updated.
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- WTF
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:18:29
Strange. A quick look at the acts and their regulations show that there have been frequent updates to sections contained in them. The latest being in 2004. Is this more of show than substance.
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