Tag: Media – Companion animals

Alberta woman calls for family law changes surrounding pets | Globalnews.ca

An Alberta woman is calling for changes to the way pets are dealt with under provincial family law, after similar changes in B.C. earlier this year.

An advocate in Alberta has launched a petition asking that the Alberta goverment follow B.C.’s lead in considering pets as more than property under family law.

The provincial government in B.C. made changes to the Family Law Act this past January. With these changes, pets are no longer treated as “property” in divorce and separation proceedings, recognizing their safety, well-being, and place as part of the family.

Animals still considered property under Canadian Law

Animals are still considered property under federal law. The Vancouver Humane Society, along with animal protection organizations and experts across the country, is calling on the federal government to recognize animals as sentient beings with a new petition.

Can you support this important initiative and help strengthen legal protections for animal well-being?

Read or watch the story on Global News: As animal shelters across the country are in crisis with an overflow of animals, animal organizations are pushing to end pet restrictions in rental housing.

“A recent parliamentary petition started by Humane Canada is asking the House of Commons to include a specific provision for tenants with pets in the new Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights that was proposed in the 2024 federal budget.”

Read more about how pet-friendly rental housing helps animals and the humans who love them, and sign the petition from the Parliament of Canada website!

Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024

Bill 159 from Parliament 43 Session 1 of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024.

A new law in Ontario has made puppy mills illegal in the province and introduced greater protections against the unethical breeding and sales of puppies. The Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales (PUPS) Act received Royal Assent in Ontario on June 6.

Advocates from Ontario including Laurie Ristmae, the founder of ARF Ontario and the executive director of the East London Animal Hospital, called this bill “a huge step in the right direction” when it was tabled in December. Ristmae noted that enforcement of the law will be key.

Other advocates like Camille Labchuk from Animal Justice are calling for the law to be strengthened, with proposed changes including requiring breeders in Ontario be registered and licensed.

Pets are no longer ‘property’ under B.C. family law | Watch News Videos Online

Watch Pets are no longer ‘property’ under B.C. family law Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

B.C. family courts will no longer treat pets as “property” in divorce and separation proceedings, recognizing their safety, well-being, and place as part of the family.

“It breaks new legislative ground for treating companion animals as valued family members,” said V. Victoria Shroff of Shroff Animal Law.