Animal protection laws to be updated for the first time in 20 years

For the first time in 20 years, Alberta is updating its Animal Protection Act, including increasing the maximum fine for animal abuse.

Alberta is making changes to its animal protection laws for the first time in two decades.

Proposed changes to the Animal Protection Amendment Act include more capacity for peace officers, increasing fine maximums from $20,000 to $250,000, and introducing jail terms up to 12 months.

The province said, if passed, the amendments would make Alberta a leader at addressing repeat offenders.

“Alberta is an agricultural province, and the protection of all our animals is vital to our communities, whether its livestock on a farm or pets, they deserve to receive appropriate care and be protected from distress,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, at a press conference Monday.

The amendments will give peace officers better investigative and enforcement tools by expanding the types of locations and businesses that can be inspected, which include boarding and grooming facilities.

“More comprehensive definitions of distress and abandonment will better enable peace officers to intervene or remove animals from harmful conditions,” said Sigurdson.

Currently, the definition of distress is limited to food, water, shelter and veterinary care

The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said it is thrilled the province has reviewed the act.

“As the agency responsible for enforcing the legislation across the province, we see firsthand how ineffective legislation leaves animals in distress,” said Leanne Niblock, Alberta SPCA’s executive director. “Our vision is that every animal is treated humanely, and we can’t do this without strong laws empowering us.”

Engagement was completed with peace officers, municipalities, livestock industry representatives, veterinary professionals, humane societies, other government representatives, and First Nations in May and June of last year.

Sigurdson added that incidents such as one surrendering of 300 animals in Valleyview back in October prompted changes to the legislation.

The province said changes are intended to align with amendments to the Animal Protection Regulation which is expected to be completed later this year.