Two recent changes to the law are recognizing animal well-being!
At the federal level, a ban on cosmetic testing on animals took effect December 22, 2023. Under the new regulations, companies can no longer test cosmetics on animals in Canada or sell new cosmetic products that rely on animal testing to prove their safety. Canada joins more than 40 countries that have restricted or ended cosmetic animal testing.
B.C. family law has also recognized companion animals’ safety, well-being, and place as part of thela family with a recent change. Family courts in the province will no longer treat pets as “property” in divorce and separation proceedings. This positive change “breaks new legislative ground for treating companion animals as valued family members,” said V. Victoria Shroff of Shroff Animal Law.