Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Oh yes, we need tougher animal cruelty laws in Canada!

February, 2009 (See also Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) to vote on whether government should put more money toward animal welfare - obviously, we need to).

Stronger federal animal cruelty legislation demanded after dogs hammered


A New Brunswick woman is urging that federal animal cruelty laws be revised after a man accused of killing five small dogs with a hammer was acquitted of any charges earlier this month.

The woman, a volunteer at the Oromocto and Area SPCA and a pet owner herself, was outraged after the man was found not guilty when he appeared in court. He had been charged under five counts of cruelty after SPCA officers visited his kennel. The man then struck and killed the Pomeranians before the officials seized the animals. Reports indicate that only one survived.

According to a recent article, the man was found guilty on one count under the Criminal Code, for injuring a dog. He was also found guilty under the provincial act of three counts of failing to provide adequate water for the animals. In the same article, NB SPCA Chief Animal Protection Officer Paul Melanson indicates they “rarely pursue charges under Section 446 of the Criminal Code because it is too hard to prove.”

Federal and provincial politicians in New Brunswick, as well as municipal Councillors have spoken out about the need for tougher animal cruelty legislation under the Criminal Code as well as in the New Brunswick SPCA Act.

Source: “N.B. woman urges change to animal cruelty laws after hammering of dogs,” Canadian Press, February 4, 2009.

6 comments:

Jennifer Oakley said...

There is a group on Facebook that is all about taking photos of "reserve" dogs and posting "funny" comments to go along...most of the dogs are starved, mutilated and seriously abused...

I was going to teach on a reserve, and now I'm not going - all because of those dogs...
it breaks my heart, and I cry just thinking about it. I can't stand the thought of the suffering...

Anonymous said...

I have been asked to send one of my beautiful shepherd puppies to a buyer on a reserve - I'm questioning what I should do??

Reserve Dog Liberation Association said...

Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for you post. It's very disturbing that people find suffering and pain 'funny'. If you can find this facebook page I would report it. Animal abuse is a criminal offence in MOST countries and laughing about it is as senseless as the idiots who hurt these animals. You can also help by writing to some of the officials on my links here. Let them know that Reserves should be subject to animal cruelty laws just like anywhere else. NO ONE should be above the law.

Reserve Dog Liberation Association said...

Anonymous,

Have you read this blog in its entirety? I don't think you need to question what to do...it's evident! There are many people who treat animals with kindness, but many reserves do not. Thank you for asking this question, and I hope you found a good person to buy this baby. I would not sell to a reserve; the history of the way they treat animals, for the most part, is horrific. Your puppies deserve better.

Chichi said...

I live on a reserve and do believe they need a law of animal cruelty for reserves. I been trying to look up information on how to go about reporting some people on the reserve. There are some horses that have no food, and dont look healthy, and always wanted to try do something about the situation. we see that everyday, and nothings being done.

Reserve Dog Liberation Association said...

chichi

Thank you for your concern. Have you tried the Canadian Federation Humane Society, or World Society for Protection of Animals? (CFHS and WSPA). Their links are on this blog. It would be a huge help if you would forward your concerns to these people and also your belief that Reserves need animal cruelty laws. Each person CAN make a difference. If you need more help with this please let us know. You may also want to approach the Council and Chief of your Band/Tribe and see if they are interested in helping take proper care of the Creator's creatures. Thank you again!