The State of Wisconsin dropped criminal charges against three animal activists in connection with the 2017 open rescue of three beagles from Ridglan Farms, a facility that breeds beagles for use in research experiments and conducts animal research. In its motion to dismiss, the Dane County District Attorney (DA)’s Office referenced Ridglan Farms’ desire to not proceed with the trial. The motion to dismiss was opposed by two of the three defendants, who stated an interest in describing conditions inside Ridglan Farms for the court during the trial, which was scheduled to begin on March 18, 2024.
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Plan to Redevelop British Columbia Pet Cemetery Faces Opposition
A plan to redevelop a former pet cemetery where hundreds of pets were interred is facing backlash. A petition to stop the redevelopment of the site, located in Surrey, British Columbia, already has over 2,000 signatures but may not be able to influence the outcome. Animal lawyer Rebeka Breder explains that there are no defined legal protections for pet cemeteries in the province and that incoming developers or property owners can handle the companion animal remains as they please. The City of Surrey said in a statement that the proposed development conforms to existing zoning.
Ontario Bill Aims to Improve Access to Veterinary Services
The Ontario Government introduced Bill 171, the Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act, which aims to formalize a broad scope of practice for veterinary technicians to expand access to veterinary services. The bill, if passed, would modernize the 35-year-old legislation currently regulating the profession. It will also streamline complaint resolution and impose harsher penalties for deliberate animal cruelty. Additionally, funding has been allocated to increase seats at the Ontario Veterinary College and incentivize veterinarians to serve underserved areas.
Ontario Provincial Police Shoot Dog in Embrun
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say an officer was forced to shoot and kill a dog in the community of Embrun on March 7. Following reports of a man wielding a knife, the Russell OPP intervened, resulting in the man's arrest. However, the man's dog persisted in attacking humans and other animals. Despite efforts to restrain the dog with a taser, officers resorted to using a firearm to kill the dog.
Israel Considers Ban on Breeding and Sale of Dogs and Cats
Israel is considering legislation that would amend its Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Law to prohibit the breeding and sale of dogs and cats not used as service or security animals. One official estimated that 1,500-2,000 dogs are imported into Israel for the pet trade every year.
Henderson, Nevada Prohibits Establishment of New Retail Pet Stores
The City of Henderson, a municipality in the greater Las Vegas area, unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the establishment of new retail pet stores that sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. The ordinance allows three existing retail pet stores in the city to continue operating.
Indiana Repeals Local Bans on Dogs Sales by Retail Pet Stores and Imposes Requirements on Commercial Dog Breeders
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law House Bill 1412, which prohibits localities from enacting or enforcing ordinances restricting retail sales of dogs in pet stores and imposes inspection requirements on commercial dog breeders, commercial dog brokers, and retail pet stores. Further, the legislation imposes registration and other requirements on retail pet stores, including prohibiting the sale of dogs acquired from commercial dog breeders with direct federal Animal Welfare Act citations within the previous two years. The legislation also creates civil penalties as well as remedies for consumers who purchase sick dogs from retail pet stores.
Nova Scotia Resident Convicted of Animal Cruelty; Ordered to Pay Restitution to SPCA
Kuper Oldham, age 21, from Wallace, Nova Scotia, has been convicted under the province’s Animal Protection Act for causing distress to an animal. Oldham must pay $788 restitution to the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NS SPCA) and is banned from owning, caring for, or controlling any animal for two years. The conviction stems from an incident on June 15, 2023, in which Oldham was recorded kicking a kenneled dog down a flight of stairs. NS SPCA Enforcement intervened, seizing the dog for medical evaluation.
Delaware Bill Would Penalize Misrepresentation of Service Animals and Assistance Animals
Delaware Senate Bill 219 would create civil and criminal penalties for the misrepresentation of service animals and assistance animals. The bill was referred to the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee.
Louisiana Bill Would Impose Civil Penalties on Misrepresentations Relating to Service and Support Animals
Louisiana House Bill 407 would impose civil penalties on individuals who misrepresent their need for a service animal or misrepresent their dog as a service animal and on healthcare providers who produce documentation misrepresenting an individual’s need for a service or support animal. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Health and Welfare.