2011CanadianAnimalProtectionLawsRankings

QUEBECNAMEDBESTPROVINCETOBEANANIMALABUSER
AnimalLegalDefenseFundAnnualStudyRanksLawsAcrosstheCountry
SaskatchewanShowsMostImprovement May2011 Anewindepthsurveyoftheanimalprotectionlawsofeachprovinceandterritoryconfirmsthatthereremain considerabledifferencesinthestrengthandcomprehensivenessofeachjurisdictionslaws.TheAnimalLegal DefenseFunds(ALDF)fourthannualreport,2011CanadianAnimalProtectionLawsRankingstheonlyone ofitskindinCanadawasbasedonadetailedcomparativeanalysisoftheanimalprotectionlawsofeach jurisdiction,researchingthirteenspecificcategoriesofprovisionsthroughouthundredsofpagesofstatutes.* Eachprovinceandterritoryreceivedanumericalrankingbaseduponitscombinedscoreandwasalsogrouped intoatop,middleorbottomtier.

Forthethirdyearinarow,Ontariooccupiedthetopspotintherankingsduetoitswidearrayofanimal protectionlaws.OntariowasjoinedinthetoptierbyManitoba,NewBrunswickandNovaScotia. Saskatchewanshowedthemostimprovementoverall,movingfromseventhlastyeartofifthplacethisyear. Saskatchewansimprovedrankingwasdueinparttoitsenactmentofstifferpenaltiesforoffences,andfor extendingthescopeofitslawstoincludeactionstakenbyanyonenotjustananimalsowner.Animal abusersinSaskatchewannowfaceimprisonmentforuptotwoyearsanda$25,000fine.Manitobaregainedits positionasthesecondbestprovinceowingtostrongerlawsregulatingtheownershipofanimalsfollowinga convictionorwhenonownerisdeterminedbyacourttobeunabletocareforananimal,andforrequiring veterinarianstoreportsuspectedoffences.TheNorthwestTerritoriesrevampeditsdogprotections,leadingto animprovementinitsscore.Atthebottomoftherankings,QuebecandNunavuteachrespectivelyheldthe positionastheprovinceandterritorywiththeweakestlawsforprotectinganimals.

Thisreportidentifieswhateachprovinceandterritoryisdoingindividuallywithrespecttotheiranimal protectionlaws,saysStephanOtto,ALDFsdirectoroflegislativeaffairsandauthorofthereport.SinceALDF beganpublishingtheserankingsin2008,therehasbeenamarkedimprovementinthelawsofmanyofthe provincesandterritories,andmoreadvancesareontheway.

*Seepage17ofthereportforasummaryofthemethodologyused.

Someofthehighlights:

Sevenjurisdictionshaveincreasedthemaximumpenaltiesforoffences(BC,NB,NT,NS,ON,SK,YT) Fivehaveimprovedthestandardsofcareforanimals(BC,NB,NT,NS,ON) Threeprovinceshaveenactedprovisionsrequiringveterinarianstoreportsuspectedcruelty(MB,NS, ON)

Threejurisdictionshavebroadenedtherangeofprotections(NT,ON,SK) Onenowauthorizescourtstorequirementalhealthcounsellingbyoffenders(ON) Fivejurisdictionshaveenactedstrongerinspection/seizure/oversightauthority(BC,NB,NT,ON,YT) Threehaveincreasedrestrictionsonownershipofanimalsfollowingaconviction(MB,NT,ON)

Whileweremainhopefulforadditionalimprovementswiththefederallaws,muchcancontinuetotakeplace attheprovincialandterritoriallevel,addedOtto.Yet,evenasmanyjurisdictionsaremakingsubstantial stepsforward,othersarenot.Irrespectiveofwhereeachjurisdictioncurrentlyranks,everyprovinceand territoryhasampleroomforimprovement. Asizablemajorityofallhouseholdsnowincludeatleastoneanimal,andpollscontinuetoshowthatwecare deeplyaboutourfurrycompanionsandtheirwelfare.ALDFsgoalsintheseongoingreviewsaretocontinueto shedlightonthisimportantissue,tocompareandcontrastthedifferencesandsimilaritiesintheprovincesand territories,andtogarnersupportforboththestrengtheningandenforcementofanimalprotectionlaws throughoutthecountry. ALDFencouragesthosewhocareaboutthewelfareandprotectionofanimalstocontacttheirelectedofficials abouttheimportanceofhavingstrong,comprehensivelawsinthisfield,andtoalertlawenforcementshould theyeverwitnessanimalabuseorneglect.

Foradditionalinformation,includingtheANIMALPROTECTIONLAWSOFTHEUSA&CANADA(SixthEdition,2011), MODELANIMALPROTECTIONLAWScollection,andmore,visitaldf.org.

2011 Canadian Animal Protection Laws Rankings

Comparing Overall Strength & Comprehensiveness

YT NT NU

BC AB SK MB ON QC

NF

PE NB NS

Best Worst

Top Tier Middle Tier Bottom Tier

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2011 Rankings .............................................................................................................. 3 2008-2011 Rankings Graph ........................................................................................... 4 2008-2011 Improvement Highlights ............................................................................. 5 Overview: Top Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011 ONTARIO............................................................................................................................ 6 MANITOBA ......................................................................................................................... 7 NEW BRUNSWICK ................................................................................................................ 8 NOVA SCOTIA ..................................................................................................................... 9 Overview: Middle Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011 SASKATCHEWAN ................................................................................................................ 10 YUKON ............................................................................................................................ 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA ............................................................................................................ 11 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND..................................................................................................... 11 NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR ........................................................................................... 12 Overview: Bottom Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011 ALBERTA .......................................................................................................................... 13 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES ................................................................................................... 14 QUEBEC ........................................................................................................................... 15 NUNAVUT ........................................................................................................................ 16 Methodology Summary.............................................................................................. 17

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2011 CANADIAN ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS RANKINGSTM

Comparing Overall Strength & Comprehensiveness

1 2 TOP TIER 3 4 5 6 MIDDLE TIER 7 8 9 10 11 BOTTOM TIER 12 13

Ontario Manitoba New Brunswick Nova Scotia Saskatchewan Yukon British Columbia Prince Edward Island Newfoundland & Labrador Alberta Northwest Territories Quebec Nunavut

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2008-2011 Improvement Highlights

Laws Enacted Since the First ALDF Rankings Report in 2008

IMPROVEMENTS Increased Maximum Penalties

JURISDICTIONS BC, NB, NT, NS, ON, SK, YT

Improved Standards of Care

BC, NB, NT, NS, ON

Mandatory Veterinarian Reporting of Suspected Cruelty*

MB, NS, ON

Broadened Range of Protections

NT, ON, SK

Mental Health Counselling*

ON

Stronger Inspection/Seizure/Oversight Authority

BC, NB, NT, ON, YT

Increased Restrictions on Post-Conviction Ownership

MB, NT, ON

Improved Cost Mitigation & Recovery

ON

Fighting Prohibitions (Fights, Training, Possession of Equipment/Structures) *First law in this category was enacted after 2008

MB, ON

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Overview: Top Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011

Existing Strengths
Range of protections Definitions/standards of basic care Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Principal protections apply to most animals Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Increased penalties for repeat animal abusers High range of penalties Mental health counselling Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under limited circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have broad law enforcement authority Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures

Potential Improvements
Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Mandatory forfeiture of animals on conviction Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals on conviction Forfeiture of animals if owner is deemed unfit Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Protective orders may expressly include animals

1. Ontario

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Overview: Top Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 2. Manitoba
Range of protections Definitions/standards of basic care Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Principal protections apply to most animals Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Forfeiture of animals if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians Increased penalties for repeat offenders Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs, liens Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order forfeiture of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority Prohibitions on permitting animals to fight -

Potential Improvements
Higher range of penalties Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Mandatory forfeiture of animals on conviction Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Overview: Top Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 3. New Brunswick
High range of penalties Definitions/standards of basic care Principal protections apply to most animals Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Mandatory fines Limited statutory exemptions Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order forfeiture of animals upon conviction Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon st conviction for 1 offence (mandatory for subsequent offences) Animal protection officers/inspectors have broad law enforcement authority Peace officers must assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws -

Potential Improvements
Broader range of protections Prohibitions apply to owners and non-owners alike Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Mandatory forfeiture of animals on conviction Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon first offence Forfeiture of animals if owner is deemed unfit On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Overview: Top Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 4. Nova Scotia
Range of protections Definitions/standards of basic care Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Principal protections apply to most animals Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Increased penalties for repeat offenders Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances (including failure to pay for care/expenses of seized animals, or if the owner is unfit) Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority -

Potential Improvements
Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Overview: Middle Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011

Existing Strengths
5. Saskatchewan High range of penalties Prohibitions apply to owners and non-owners alike Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Principal protections apply to most animals Limited statutory exemptions Increased penalties for repeat offenders Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs, liens Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority -

Potential Improvements
Broader range of protections Better definitions/standards of basic care Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals Broader range of protections Better definitions/standards of basic care Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

6. Yukon

Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Principal protections apply to most animals Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs, liens Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have broad law enforcement authority

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Overview: Middle Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 7. British Columbia
Principal protections apply to most animals Limited statutory exemptions Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Increased penalties for repeat offenders Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority Peace officers must assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws -

Potential Improvements
Broader range of protections Better definitions/standards of basic care Prohibitions apply to owners and non-owners alike Higher range of penalties Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals Better definitions/standards of basic care Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Higher range of penalties Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

8. Prince Edward Island

Range of protections Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Principal protections apply to most animals Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of companion animals upon conviction Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have broad law enforcement authority Peace officers have a duty to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on permitting animals to fight

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Overview: Middle Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 9. Newfoundland & Labrador
Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Principal protections apply to most animals Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Increased penalties for repeat offenders Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Emergency protection orders may include companion animals Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances, including owner being unfit Court may order forfeiture of animals upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority -

Potential Improvements
Broader range of protections Better definitions/standards of basic care Higher range of penalties Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Mandatory forfeiture of animals on conviction Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Larger fines Mental health evaluations/counselling Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures

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Overview: Bottom Tier Provinces & Territories for 2011

Existing Strengths 10. Alberta Potential Improvements

Range of protections Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Principal protections apply to most animals Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded animals: reimbursement of costs Warrantless entry & seizure of animals under certain circumstances Court may order disposition of animals prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals upon conviction Immunity for reporting animal in distress

Better definitions/standards of basic care Penalty may include both fines and incarceration Higher range of penalties Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Mental health evaluations/counselling On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Animal protection officers/inspectors with broad law enforcement authority Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Overview: Bottom Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 11. Northwest Territories
Definitions/standards of basic care Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Cost mitigation/recovery measures for No statutory exemptions impounded dogs: reimbursement of costs Seizure of dogs allowed under certain circumstances Court may order disposition of dogs prior to judgment under certain circumstances Court may order restrictions on future ownership or possession of dogs upon conviction Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the dog protection laws Immunity for reporting dog in distress Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority

Potential Improvements
Protections to apply to all animals, not just dogs Broader range of protections Higher range of penalties Broader seizure/entry provisions Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Larger fines and sentences Mental health evaluations/counselling On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Overview:BottomTierProvinces&Territoriescontd.

ExistingStrengths
-

PotentialImprovements

12.Quebec

Increasedpenaltiesforrepeatoffenders Costmitigation/recoverymeasuresfor impoundedanimals:reimbursementofcosts Seizureofanimalsallowedundercertain circumstances Onsiteinspection/supervision/monitoring option Courtmayorderdispositionofanimalspriorto judgmentundercertaincircumstances Courtmayorderforfeitureofanimalsupon conviction Courtmayrestrictfutureownershipor possessionofanimalsfollowingaconviction Immunityforassistingintheenforcementofthe animalprotectionlaws Animalprotectionofficers/inspectorshave certainlawenforcementauthority

Broaderrangeofprotections Betterdefinitions/standardsofbasiccare Protectionstoapplytoallanimals,notjustdogs &cats Prohibitionsapplytoownersandnonowners alike Higherrangeofpenalties Mandatoryseizureofmistreatedanimals Mandatoryforfeitureofanimalsonconviction Mandatoryrestrictionsonfutureownershipor possessionofanimalsfollowingaconviction Forfeitureofanimalsifownerisdeemedunfit Broadercostmitigation/recoverymeasures Broaderseizure/entryprovisions Increasedpenaltieswhencrimecommittedin thepresenceofaminor Increasedpenaltiesforoffenderswithprior domesticviolenceoffences Penaltiesmayincludebothfinesand incarceration Mandatorytermsofincarcerationforcertain offenders Mandatoryfines Largerfines Mentalhealthevaluations/counselling Mandatoryreportingofsuspectedanimalcruelty byveterinariansandselectnonanimalrelated agencies Dutyofpeaceofficerstoassistinthe enforcementoftheanimalprotectionlaws Prohibitionsontrainingorpermittinganimalsto fight Prohibitionsonpossessionofanimalfighting equipmentorstructures Protectiveordersmayexpresslyincludeanimals

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Overview: Bottom Tier Provinces & Territories contd.

Existing Strengths 13. Nunavut
Penalties may include both fines and incarceration Certain prohibitions apply to owners and nonowners alike No statutory exemptions Cost mitigation/recovery measures for impounded dogs: reimbursement of costs Seizure of dogs allowed under certain circumstances Court may order disposition of dogs prior to judgment under limited circumstances Animal protection officers/inspectors have certain law enforcement authority -

Potential Improvements
Protections to apply to all animals, not just dogs Broader range of protections Higher range of penalties Better definitions/standards of basic care Broader seizure/entry provisions Mandatory seizure of mistreated animals Forfeiture of animals on conviction or if owner is deemed unfit Mandatory restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction Broader cost mitigation/recovery measures Increased penalties for repeat offenders Increased penalties when crime committed in the presence of a minor Increased penalties for offenders with prior domestic violence offences Mandatory terms of incarceration for certain offenders Mandatory fines Larger fines and sentences Mental health evaluations/counselling On-site inspection/supervision/monitoring option Mandatory reporting of suspected animal cruelty by veterinarians and select non-animal-related agencies Immunity for assisting in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Duty of peace officers to assist in the enforcement of the animal protection laws Prohibitions on training or permitting animals to fight Prohibitions on possession of animal fighting equipment or structures Protective orders may expressly include animals

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Methodology summary
All provinces and territories in the 2011 CANADIAN ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS RANKINGS REPORT were numerically ranked based on their cumulative scores to forty-three study questions covering thirteen specific categories of animal protection laws. The study analysis was limited to proclaimed legislation and did not review the separate issue of the enforcement of such laws. Answers to the study questions were based principally on the statutory data contained in the 4,000+ page compendium ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS OF THE USA & CANADA (Sixth Edition). * Study questions were close-ended and the choices exhaustive and mutually exclusive. The questions were limited to the following categories of provisions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Offences Penalties Exemptions Mental health evaluations & counselling Protective orders Cost-mitigation and recovery Entry/seizure/inspection Forfeiture and post-conviction possession Non-animal agency reporting of suspected animal cruelty Veterinarian reporting of suspected animal cruelty Immunity for assisting with cruelty investigations/reporting suspected cruelty Law enforcement policies Fighting

ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS OF THE USA & CANADA (Sixth Edition, 2011) is available at http://aldf.org/animallaws. For any report-related questions, comments, or additional information, contact ALDF Legislative Affairs (legislation@aldf.org).

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