Ontario SPCA applauds McGuinty government’s commitment to improve animal protection
Ontario SPCA
Friday, August 31, 2007
NEWMARKET, ON, (August 31, 2007) – The Ontario SPCA took a giant leap forward today toward achieving its vision of strengthening animal welfare legislation in Ontario and improving the Society’s ability to protect all animals, thanks to an announcement from the Ontario government to toughen animal protection in the province.
In a news conference held this morning at The Toronto Zoo, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter announced that the government will immediately increase annual funding for the Ontario SPCA to $500,000 to support inspector and agent training, and provide $100,000 in one-time funding for Ontario SPCA agents to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to implement an interim zoo inspection plan.
Minister Monte Kwinter also recognized the need to modernize the Ontario SPCA Act to regulate premises such as roadside zoos, and committed to continue working with stakeholders with a view of making amendments to the Ontario SPCA Act to further animal protection in the province, including:
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
Giving Ontario SPCA agents broader authority to inspect commercial premises like zoos where mistreatment of animals is suspected
Requiring veterinarians to report suspected abuse, with protection from liability for doing so
Banning animal fighting and associated equipment
Protecting law enforcement animals
Imposing a lifetime ownership ban for persons convicted of animal cruelty
“Today is an incredible day for the Ontario SPCA and for countless animals across Ontario in need of protection,” says Hugh Coghill, Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector. “This is a direct result of many caring and compassionate individuals across the province who have voiced their support for increased animal protection. We are grateful to the McGuinty government for making this commitment.”
Kwinter acknowledged that Ontarians expect better protection for animals against mistreatment and acts of cruelty. “With help from animal experts across Ontario, the McGuinty government has developed some of the toughest animal safety standards in the country and we are committed to moving forward on this important issue,” says Kwinter.
Media Contact:
Hugh Coghill
Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector
1-888-668-7722, ext. 342
hcoghill@ospca.on.ca
————————————————————————————————————————The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Branches and affiliated Humane Societies relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy, and public education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Ontario SPCA Provincial Office, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR3 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1 • 1 888 ONT-SPCA (688-7722) • www.ontariospca.ca • info@ospca.on.ca
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
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