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Natural Resources
April 30, 2009

Animal Protection Legislation to be Updated

A review and consultation process to consolidate and update existing animal health and protection legislation is being initiated by the Provincial Government with the intent of introducing a new Animal Health and Protection Act.

�Societal expectations and attitudes towards the care of animals have changed and the time has come to review our animal protection legislation, including the fines and penalties for inappropriate treatment of animals and neglect,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �This review will result in a new piece of legislation that is comprehensive and all encompassing and provides the greatest protection and enforcement possible in regards to animal welfare.�

The six acts under review are the Animal Protection Act, Dog Act, Heritage Animals Act, Livestock Act, Livestock Health Act and Poultry and Poultry Products Act. Most of this legislation was enacted in the 1970s and has not been significantly updated. The Animal Health and Protection Act will address the definition of animal cruelty and appropriate penalties, enforcement and animal control activities.

�We want to update the legislation while at the same time addressing recent public concerns and issues,� said Minister Dunderdale. �Reviewing legislation for continued relevancy is an ongoing process within government and is consistent with our efforts through the Red Tape Reduction initiative.�

The review will also include the possible inclusion in the legislation of standard operating and licensing procedures for the province�s fur farm industry. Concern has been expressed by industry and government over ensuring that the continued growth of the industry is based on established standards. The most common concerns include the spread of Aleutian disease, animal escapes and the threat of disease to different wild animal species.

�The new legislation will ensure proper animal treatment and humane handling, as well as minimize the risks within the industry and for the public,� said Minister Dunderdale. �We will work with our farmers to ensure the proper regulations are in place that will help contribute to the continued growth of this industry.�

The Animal Health Division of the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency will consult relevant interest groups and municipalities, including representatives from the livestock industry and SPCA.

For further details on the review process or to submit a written submission, please visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/consultation. For additional information, please contact Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer, at 709-729-6879.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Summary of Existing Live Animal Legislation

Six acts are being reviewed as part of this process. They are the Animal Protection Act, Dog Act, Heritage Animals Act, Livestock Act, Livestock Health Act and Poultry and Poultry Products Act.

Animal Protection Act
The Animal Protection Act was enacted in 1978 to provide for a method to help animals in distress and to prevent cruelty to or other mistreatment of animals. Issues have been raised in recent years over appropriate penalties and fines, as well as the need for greater clarity in regards to the definition of animal cruelty.

Dog Act
The Dog Act was enacted in the mid-1970s to control dogs in the province. No significant amendments have been made since it was first introduced. Consideration will be given to lifting the current ban on the importation of �Labrador huskies� to the island.

Heritage Animals Act
The Heritage Animals Act was enacted in 1996 to provide the means for the recognition and protection of heritage animals within the province. Only the Newfoundland Pony has so far achieved designation as a heritage animal.

Livestock Act
The Livestock Act was enacted in 1970 as a means of controlling roaming livestock. No significant amendments have been made since it was first introduced.

Livestock Health Act
The Livestock Health Act was enacted in 1970 as a means to control animal diseases within the province and prevent the entry of diseases from outside the province. Amendments have been introduced since that time to reflect changes in the size and importance of different industries in the province.

Poultry and Poultry Products Act
The Poultry and Poultry Products Act was enacted in 1970. It permits the application of federal grade standards to provincial poultry and poultry products.

2009 04 30                   11:25 a.m.


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