Criminalize the distribution of animal sexual abuse images

Last week, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act.
This bill that moves to criminalize the distribution of animal sexual abuse images, while recognizing animals as victims and tools of coercive control.
These types images are not only acts of cruelty toward animals—they are also used to groom and exploit children and control victims.
This historic milestone was made possible through years of advocacy from Humane Canada (the federation of humane societies and SPCAs) and Member organizations.

TAKE ACTION: Use the quick message tool from Humane Canada to call on your MP to support the Protecting Victims Act.

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Violence against animals and violence against people are deeply connected, a reality that has left children, survivors, and animals without the protections they need. Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, is a crucial step forward that recognizes the violence link and takes action where it is urgently needed.

The bill criminalizes the distribution of animal sexual abuse images, material that has been used to groom, manipulate, and exploit children. It also expands protections for people whose animals are harmed or threatened as a form of coercive control, a tactic widely used in intimate partner violence and criminal harassment.

These measures close long-standing gaps in Canadian law and strengthen safety for the entire family unit.

But Bill C-16 is not yet law. For these protections to take effect, Parliament must pass the legislation. Your voice can help ensure that happens.

Contact your MP