Please join over 150,000 supporters who have recently signed petitions, wrote letters and rallied across Canada asking the Gov't to Support Bill C-373 (An Act to Amend the Criminal Code: Cruelty to Animals) to Stop Animal Cruelty in Canada with effective legislation!
Also supported by every animal welfare group in Canada inc CVMA, CFHS, IFAW, SPCA, WSPA, Protective services, etc!
UPDATE!! On Wed Apr 9, the Govt passed ineffective S-203! (The Bill we all oppose)
We really need your help to show them we're not settling for this placebo bill! Please cont to write letters, email, call your MP, sign petitions, write letters to editors, etc!
Many MP's indicated they would support S-203 now and C-373 when it comes up in Nov, we really need to keep the pressure on so they don't let this issue slide and make it appear as though they accomplished something when in fact, S-203 changes virtually nothing except the fines that were increased (same as C-373).
Animal abusers will continue to go unpunished because the vague and archaic wording remains the same and is full of loop-holes.
Bill S-203 is a sham, promoted by politicians to placate the Canadian public while avoiding meaningful change. Its only new provision is an increase in the maximum penalties judges can impose. This will not help the animals because it’s nearly impossible to prosecute animal cruelty in Canada – less than one percent of animal abuse complaints lead to convictions. What good are stronger penalties when we can’t get convictions?
Why Bill S-203 (formerly S-213) is not good enough:
• it only covers animals that are “property”; therefore, “unowned” animals, such as strays and wildlife will not be protected. Animal cruelty provisions should protect all animals not just “those kept for a lawful purpose”
• it does not include a clear and concise definition of “animal”
• it does not criminalize individuals who train or organize animals to fight other animals or those who bet on animal fights
• it does not make it an offence to kill an animal with brutal and/or vicious intent, whether or not the animal dies immediately
• it makes it virtually impossible to prosecute cases of neglect because it's antiquated 116 yr old wording remains
The danger of Bill S-203 is that it could create an illusion that strong action has been taken, when it has not. ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY WILL CONTINUE TO GO UNPUNISHED!
THERE IS A BETTER WAY: BILL C-373, a private member’s Bill, would increase penalties for animal cruelty offences and effectively close the loopholes in the Criminal Code that make it difficult for enforcement agencies and the courts to convict animal abusers. Despite unfounded paranoia fueled by uninformed MP's and misguided people, C-373 protects against prosecution and allows for all regular hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, industry practices to continue!
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Print and sign the C-373 Petition!
Please go here for info on how MP's voted, links for letters, emails, calls!
(or see link for letters on left side of page here)
Write letters to editors of newspapers and help spread awareness!
Help spread the word, we really need to continue the Canada wide show of support!
Excellent story from CBC about the Bills and why these much needed changes cont to be stalled!
