The Governor in Council on recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture has declared that The Animal Protection Act of 2008 be proclaimed and come into force in the province of Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia SPCA is mandated to enforce the new provincial legislation and to investigate matters of suspected cruelty, abuse and neglect. The new legislation takes effect immediately.
The key changes to the legislation include:
· The division of farm animals from companion animals, so that the Nova Scotia SPCA and Department of Agriculture can work collaboratively on improving animal welfare in all environments with increased resources.
· A requirement for veterinarians to report alleged abuse, neglect and cruelty.
· Stiffer penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty.
For a first offence, a guilty party may face a fine of up to $10,000 and in default of payment imprisonment for a term of up to six months or a combination of fine and imprisonment. Subsequent offences can carry fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment or both.
To view the act, go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/PDFs/annual%20statutes/2008%20Fall/c033.pdf
It's about time the laws were changed. What I am concered about is the follow up when an abuse case is reported. All abuse cases should be investicated. Stick to the laws when giving out sentencing. All breeders should be required to have a licence. All puppy mills should be shut down and the owners charged to the full extent of the law. There is a huge movement in the Unites States for animal welfare and to stop kill shelters from operating. If we can't take care and protect our pets, what kind of human beings are we? How will we treat other humans?