New animal welfare law in Ontario

A new animal welfare law has Windsorites thinking positively. 

The law, which is being implemented in hope of stopping animal cruelty, will go into effect in Ontario in January 2020.

According to Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor Humane Society, not only does the Humane Society support the law, but the organization played a role in creating it.

“We did work with the government while they were crafting the law to provide input on it,” said Coulter. “One of the aspects that we specifically supported is psychological distress and the definition of distress. We hope this will provide consistent service across Ontario by providing care for animals.”

Pet owner George Lia said this law is something that should be taken seriously and he thinks more should be done about animal cruelty offences.

“I don’t think enough is being done about this,” said Lia. “It seems as if people are being cruel to animals and then people brush it off as if nothing even happened. As a pet owner, I do not think it’s fair to the animals.”

The law does not just affect individuals. Corporations found guilty of animal cruelty will face a $250,000 fine for first time offences and $1 million for second offences.

“There are some substantial sentences and there are also minimum sentences, which is a good thing when someone is convicted of causing distress or permitting distress to an animal who has passed away,” said Coulter.

 “There is a very substantial minimum fine which is higher than almost any case we’ve ever seen and it is nice to see that, but whether this will take place or not is another question.” 

The new law will have specialists dealing with livestock, horses, zoos and aquariums.

“I don’t know if this will lower the chances of animal cruelty in Windsor and in Ontario,” said Lia. “But this should not be something that is happening.”

Animals found or seen being victimized by cruelty in Windsor can be taken or reported to Windsor Humane Society at 1375 Provincial Road.