Legislation Introduced to Give More Teeth to Animal Protection

Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:52 PM

Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell has announced the Province is strengthening the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to ensure the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) continues to have the authority it needs to carry out its animal welfare mandate.

"The Province supports and values the work done by the BCSPCA staff and its numerous volunteers as they assist and protect animals," said Bell.
"The changes we are introducing today will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare exist here in British Columbia and are consistent with standards in other provinces."

The amendments will improve the BCSPCA’s power to help animals that are in distress or abandoned and will increase penalties for offences. Currently, upon conviction for the offence of causing distress to an animal, there is a penalty of up to $2,000 or a six-month jail sentence or both. That will increase to $5,000 or a six-month jail sentence or both for a first offence and $10,000 or a six-month jail sentence or both for a second offence. The amendments address operational issues identified by the BCSPCA and will:

* Refine the definition of "distress" to include situations where an animal’s health or well-being is affected by inadequate ventilation, space, care or veterinary treatment.
* Authorize agents operating in remote areas to obtain warrants by telephone.
* Clarify the authority of agents to seize evidence of an offence.
* Clarify the authority of agents to take abandoned animals into custody.
* Clarify the BCSPCA’s authority to hold and dispose of animals, and the obligation of animal owners to reimburse the Society for its care-related costs.
* Provide immunity from legal proceedings for damages to persons performing duties or exercising powers under the act.
* Update provisions relating to corporate structure and obligations.

"We are really thrilled with the proposed changes to the legislation," said BC SPCA Chief Executive Officer Craig Daniell. "The amendments will dramatically increase our ability to respond quickly and effectively in cases where animals are abused, abandoned or neglected.

The BC SPCA has been actively campaigning for changes to the PCA Act for more than two years through its province-wide End Animal Cruelty campaign. The non-profit animal welfare organization collected more than 50,000 petitions in support of the campaign.

" Last year, the BC SPCA's 54 special constables responded to more than 4,500 complaints of animal cruelty. The 113-year-old society is the only animal welfare organization in the province with the mandate and authority to enforce animal cruelty laws and to present cases to Crown counsel for prosecution.

Marcie Moriarty, General Manager of Cruelty Investigations for the BC SPCA, said the amendments will not only enable the BC SPCA to enter property more quickly to assist animals in distress, but will lead to stronger cases and an even more successful conviction rate for animal abusers.

Moriarty said the proposed amendments are a clear demonstration of the province's commitment to animal welfare. "Passage of this bill will raise the bar on animal welfare in B.C. and will send a strong message to those who abuse animals that this kind of horrific cruelty will not be tolerated."

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Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:52 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: BCRacer on March 6 2008 4:32 PM

No they should really be able to mess with the circus's.
Wonder if they have plans to clean up their own house?

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on March 6 2008 10:13 PM

The last time the SPCA phoned I told them to get stuffed. They were just being idiots and they knew it. But the thing was they could be idiots and I was obligated to be treated like an idiot.

So I became like them. Now there is no more phone calls.

Now things are changing. I'm not sure what is going to happen when idiots are given guns.

Posted by: kevin1006 on March 6 2008 11:48 PM

Those that treat animals poorly should be dealt with harshly.

Posted by: owl on March 6 2008 11:59 PM

Guns???? Does it say anywhere they will be getting guns?

or are you talking about border guards ...??

;-)

Posted by: owl on March 7 2008 12:00 AM

Those who treat children poorly should be dealt with harshly.

Posted by: thereasonableman on March 7 2008 12:43 PM

* Refine the definition of "distress" to include situations where an animal�s health or well-being is affected by inadequate ventilation, {space), care or veterinary treatment.

I guess Kathy Travers won't be able to ignore the horses at the multiplex anymore. She should have the time to deal with it now that she has got her way with the circus.

Posted by: caranmacil on March 7 2008 3:07 PM

I strongly disagree with the whole idea of giving the SPCA more powers. Here are some questions: What training do the SPCA have? What standardized procedures will be implemented for SPCA staff to determine what constitutes stress and poor ventilation and so on? Why are we giving a non government advocacy group powers like it is a regulated institution?
Anyone who fails to see the potential for abuse here needs glasses. I dont think anyone who has had the SPCA called on them (even on false grounds) would agree that the SPCA should be given the power to adversely affect peoples lives based on subjective evaluation of the living conditions of pets and livestock. We are talking about people herer who often have NO experience with livestock or pet species, telling us we are not doing it right, then taking our animals and making us into criminals. If you are a horror fan, read the chilling quote from a local SPCA rep in the Citizen.
As for those who feel that only those who are guilty have anything to fear....Well pardon my language but you are damn fools! History and common sense loudly beg to differ. I wouldnt wish animal advocates on anyone. Lets remember, some of these people insist that we never use plastic food dishes for our dogs, as they can harbour bacteria!

Posted by: caranmacil on March 7 2008 3:15 PM

Is there enough space at a feedlot? How about at a poultry farm (even a free run). Has the bard for your horses got enough ventilation? Did you call the vet when your cow went down, or when the calf didnt make it?
I just re read the article...doesnt it bother people to know that someone without training can seize 'evidence' and is immune from prosecution for damages while performing duties under the act. Does this mean that after the SPCA takes your animals and adopts them out or whatever, you have ne recourse under the law to sue them when it turns out (through a long, expensive ACTUAL legal proceding) that you were innocent? Scary stuff if you ask me.

Posted by: opinionated on March 7 2008 4:17 PM

caranmacil, plastic dishes can harbour bacteria.
The BC SPCA does a very good job on a very limited budget.
Who says they do not receive training? I get the impression that you know nothing about what the organization does. I suggest you do your research before writting such stupid comments.