Swifter action will face people who abuse animals as the provincial government prepares to hire more animal protection officers.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones tells us this is partly due to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice striking down parts of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in January.
“At the same time the OSPCA informed us that after 100 years of enforcing animal welfare laws, they were no longer interested in enforcing the welfare piece.”
The Solicitor General adds authorities will have more power to intervene where an animal is suffering in a hot vehicle.
And, strengthening of the animal welfare system means those accused of abusing animals will find it tougher to escape conviction than in the past.
“There is an inconsistency in how the investigations are occurring. And that has led, in certain situations, where charges are thrown out.”
The Solicitor General says there was plenty of concern voiced by residents about animal abuse in an on-line survey, has been heard loud and clear by the government.
“Over 16,000 people responded in just over 3 weeks. 89%, 9 out of 10 respondents, said animal welfare was extremely important to them.”
Ontario’s solicitor general adds there’ll be harsher penalties for repeat offenders and establishing a one-way complaints window for people who wish to file a report.
