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. |