PROVINCE PASSES ANIMAL PROTECTION ACT

Today, the Provincial Government passed The Animal Protection Act, 2010. The Act was first introduced on November 8, 2010, and replaces The Animal Protection Act, 1999.

The new Act increases the maximum fine level for animal neglect to $25,000 for each convicted offence. The previous court imposed fines were a maximum of $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for second and subsequent offences. The new legislation also increases the imprisonment period from the previous maximum of six months to a maximum of two years for those convicted of animal neglect.

"The vast majority of animal owners and livestock producers provide adequate care for their animals, however, one case of animal neglect is still one too many," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Our government is committed to the health and well-being of animals in Saskatchewan and hopes this legislation will reduce the number of animal neglect cases in our province."

The Bill also includes protection for service animals, such as guide dogs used by people with disabilities. Any person who interferes with or causes harm to a service animal may now be subject to the increased penalties if convicted.

The provincial government is also increasing funding to the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Saskatchewan SPCA). The Ministry of Agriculture will provide up to an additional $390,000 to the Saskatchewan SPCA to help address the recent increase in animal neglect cases. The Ministry of Agriculture will provide the additional funding over three years, beginning with the current fiscal year. By the final year of the current funding agreement with the Saskatchewan SPCA, 2012-13, the Ministry of Agriculture will have increased its annual funding by 111 per cent since 2007-08.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca