In Ontario, 2008 was a good year for animals and people who care about them.
Bill 50 2008 (Provincial Animal Welfare Act, 2008: An Act to amend the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act) was passed in the provincial legislature and received Royal Assent on November 27, 2008. The new (and improved) law will come into force upon the Lieutenant Governor’s proclamation.
In particular, the following conducts are now prohibited under the amended Ontario SPCA Act:
- Causing animals to be in distress
- Permitting an animal to be in distress by an owner or a custodian
- Animal fighting
- Owning animal fighting equipment or structures
- Harming law enforcement animals (e.g. police dogs, K-9 units)
Under the new law, the Ontario SPCA is granted authority to seize animals in distress that are in plain view. It can now also enter into any building or place used for animal exhibit, entertainment, boarding, hire or sale (such as a petting zoo) without a warrant to carry on an inspection.
Upon the removal or seizure of an animal, the Ontario SPCA may keep the animal if ordered by a provincial judge or a justice of the peace. The owner or custodian is liable to the SPCA for costs and expenses in caring for the animal, regardless of whether the animal is ordered to be returned or kept in the custody of the Ontario SPCA.
If you know an animal that is being abused or neglected or is in distress, please contact
- for non-emergencies: the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722),
- the farm animal care helpline at 519-837-1326 for owners who are unable or unwilling to care for their farm animals,
- your local humane society (Toronto Humane Society at 416-392-2273 or 416-392-9992, then press “0″), or
- your local police: 9-1-1 if the situation is urgent (local police officers can exercise the power of an SPCA inspector).
If you do not wish to disclose your ID when reporting, you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Your call can save a life.
Do not email - emails can go unnoticed for days and it may be too late!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Ontario SPCA
Toronto Humane Society