Ontario SPCA Supports Proposed Legislative Amendments to Better Protect Animals

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 10, 2012) - The Ontario SPCA is encouraged by the Ontario government's announcement to improve care for marine mammals and strengthen animal welfare enforcement through proposed legislative amendments.

The announcement, which included the release of the Animal Welfare Task Force Report, was delivered by Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and is a good first step toward a longer discussion.

"The Ontario SPCA is eager to receive the assistance of the Government of Ontario in fulfilling its mandate to protect animals in this province," said Rob Godfrey, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario SPCA. "While we need more information before we can react to specifics, we welcome the government's interest in fulfilling some of the recommendations in the Animal Welfare Task Force Report."

The Ontario SPCA is encouraged by the following proposals:

• Amending legislation to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) Act to improve province-wide enforcement of animal protection laws.
• Creating new regulations to further protect marine mammals in captivity.
• Exploring options for the licensing of zoos and aquariums.

The Animal Welfare Task Force was created by government in response to the Ontario SPCA-commissioned Lesage-Meek Review of animal sheltering in Ontario, and included government ministries and stakeholders with connections to animal shelters. The Task Force considered recommendations relating to the province's role in the protection of animals, and identified opportunities for improvement. The Task Force concluded animals are well served by Ontario's animal shelters, but recommended enhancements in the areas of public health, the operation of shelters and animal-worker health and safety.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities.

Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and the Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

www.OntarioSPCA.ca

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