Hello Everyone. I have received a letter from the Honourable Peter MacKay. He has kindly offered two new contacts that we may write concerning Ozzis Law. Dear Mr. Mason: Thank you for your correspondence of July 12, 2014, concerning animal cruelty. I hope you will understand that, as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, I cannot comment on a specific case. However, the Government of Canada agrees that the penalties for animal cruelty offences should send a strong and clear message that animal cruelty is totally unacceptable in our society. As you may know, in 2008, the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code were amended to strengthen existing legislation and deliver further measures of protection for all animals. The maximum penalties for the more serious offences were raised from six months to five years in prison. In addition, an offender convicted of animal cruelty can now be prohibited from owning or residing with an animal for any length of time considered appropriate, an increase from the previous maximum of two years. The strengthening of these provisions reflects the serious nature of these offences. As a result, courts can be expected to hand down lengthier sentences for animal cruelty. While the Parliament of Canada is responsible for enacting criminal law, the administration of justice, including the prosecution of Criminal Code offences, is the responsibility of the provincial governments. Therefore, if you have not already done so, you may wish to share your concerns with the Honourable Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta, at [email protected]. In addition, most provinces and territories have some form of animal welfare legislation allowing authorized agencies to take action. If in distress, the animals may be seized and the individuals responsible may be subject to prosecution under applicable provincial or territorial legislation. In Alberta, the Animal Protection Act falls within the portfolio of the Honourable Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you again for writing. Yours truly, The Honourable Peter MacKay
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:40:17 +0000
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