Humane Canada has launched a petition in support of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act. Since the Bill was re-introduced by Senator Marty Klyne in March 2022, it has been described as “moving at a snail’s pace” through the Senate. The petition urges the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and local Members of Parliament to move the Bill along and prioritize passage of the Jane Goodall Act into law as soon as possible.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Humane Canada Launches Petition in Support of Jane Goodall Act
Health Canada Confirms Plan to Ban Cosmetic Testing on Animals
Health Canada has confirmed that they are developing a proposal to introduce changes to the federal Food and Drugs Act which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were tested on animals. The changes would also extend to cosmetics that include ingredients tested on animals. According to a statement by Health Canada, a broad consultation will precede the proposed regulatory changes this year and no changes are expected to be finalized before August 2023.
Health Canada has confirmed that they are developing a proposal to introduce changes to the federal Food and Drugs Act which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were tested on animals. The changes would also extend to cosmetics that include ingredients tested on animals. According to a statement by Health Canada, a broad consultation will precede the proposed regulatory changes this year and no changes are expected to be finalized before August 2023.
Agency Spotlights
Saskatchewan Government and “Sask Pork” Announce One Million Dollars for Swine Disease Mitigation
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit has announced $700,000 in funding to support Saskatchewan’s swine disease preparedness efforts. The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) has said they will further provide $300,000 toward a “swine market disruption plan” meant to help the pork industry prepare for potential animal health emergencies such as an outbreak of African swine fever and the need to quickly slaughter many pigs infected with the disease.
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit has announced $700,000 in funding to support Saskatchewan’s swine disease preparedness efforts. The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) has said they will further provide $300,000 toward a “swine market disruption plan” meant to help the pork industry prepare for potential animal health emergencies such as an outbreak of African swine fever and the need to quickly slaughter many pigs infected with the disease.
Academic Spotlights
University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Scientist Leading a Study on Connection Between Zoonotic Diseases and Imported Dogs
A veterinary scientist at the University of Saskatchewan is leading a new study that looks at the link between zoonotic diseases and recently imported dogs. This comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure prohibiting the entry of dogs into Canada from countries at high risk for rabies in September 2022. The risks associated with many of the illnesses carried by imported dogs are still unknown, but study lead, Dr. Tasha Epp (DVM, PhD), said: “In the last five or six years, there’s been quite an interest from both the Public Health Agency and the CFIA to look at the issue of importing dogs into Canada.”
A veterinary scientist at the University of Saskatchewan is leading a new study that looks at the link between zoonotic diseases and recently imported dogs. This comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure prohibiting the entry of dogs into Canada from countries at high risk for rabies in September 2022. The risks associated with many of the illnesses carried by imported dogs are still unknown, but study lead, Dr. Tasha Epp (DVM, PhD), said: “In the last five or six years, there’s been quite an interest from both the Public Health Agency and the CFIA to look at the issue of importing dogs into Canada.”
International Spotlights
Australia Introduces New Quarantine Rules for Imported Pets
On March 1st, the Australian government will be implementing new rabies virus requirements for imported cats and dogs, including more stringent testing and identity verification rules, as well as longer quarantine requirements for pets under certain conditions. The government says this is because there have been significant changes to the volume of animals coming into the country, which has increased the rabies biosecurity risk.
On March 1st, the Australian government will be implementing new rabies virus requirements for imported cats and dogs, including more stringent testing and identity verification rules, as well as longer quarantine requirements for pets under certain conditions. The government says this is because there have been significant changes to the volume of animals coming into the country, which has increased the rabies biosecurity risk.
UK Animal Welfare Laws Threatened by New Bill
Forty-four of the United Kingdom’s (UK) animal welfare laws carried over from when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU) are at risk of being overturned as part of the new Retained EU law (Revocation & Reform) Bill (REUL) which sets out a process to determine if a retained EU law should be continued. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs said: “If the UK's REUL Bill passes, hard-won laws that we take for granted now, such as the bans on battery hens, cosmetics testing on animals and growth promoters given to farm animals, could be lost.”
Forty-four of the United Kingdom’s (UK) animal welfare laws carried over from when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU) are at risk of being overturned as part of the new Retained EU law (Revocation & Reform) Bill (REUL) which sets out a process to determine if a retained EU law should be continued. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs said: “If the UK's REUL Bill passes, hard-won laws that we take for granted now, such as the bans on battery hens, cosmetics testing on animals and growth promoters given to farm animals, could be lost.”
Edinburgh Becomes First European Capital to Endorse Plant Based Treaty
Edinburgh City Council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, which calls for a shift towards plant-based diets in order to reduce consumption-based emissions and help tackle climate change. The treaty’s demands include transitioning to plant-based meal plans in all government institutions and introducing a “meat tax,” among other initiatives. Scottish Green councillor Steve Burgess, who introduced the treaty to the council last March, said: "By declaring our endorsement, we are acknowledging that food systems are a main driver of the climate emergency and that a shift towards plant-based diets can go a huge way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Edinburgh City Council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, which calls for a shift towards plant-based diets in order to reduce consumption-based emissions and help tackle climate change. The treaty’s demands include transitioning to plant-based meal plans in all government institutions and introducing a “meat tax,” among other initiatives. Scottish Green councillor Steve Burgess, who introduced the treaty to the council last March, said: "By declaring our endorsement, we are acknowledging that food systems are a main driver of the climate emergency and that a shift towards plant-based diets can go a huge way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Portugal Considers Constitutionality of Pet Protection Laws
Portugal’s public prosecutors have asked the country’s constitutional court to declare a law that criminalises the abuse and abandonment of pets unconstitutional. The public prosecutors argue that the law does not threaten any of the values protected by the country’s constitution, such as the right to life, personal integrity, freedom, security, private property and freedom of expression. On January 21st, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Lisbon to show their support for the legislation.
Portugal’s public prosecutors have asked the country’s constitutional court to declare a law that criminalises the abuse and abandonment of pets unconstitutional. The public prosecutors argue that the law does not threaten any of the values protected by the country’s constitution, such as the right to life, personal integrity, freedom, security, private property and freedom of expression. On January 21st, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Lisbon to show their support for the legislation.
European Union Rejects Call to Ban Imported Kangaroo Meat
The European Commission has rejected a petition to ban imported kangaroo meat from Australia. The petition was filed by three animal protection groups–– Lega Anti Vivisezione, World Animal Protection and Eurogroup for Animals––on the grounds that methods used to kill kangaroos create food safety risks and raise concerns about animal welfare. In making their decision, the Commission said there was no evidence that requirements related to animal welfare or human health are not being met by Australia’s export systems.
The European Commission has rejected a petition to ban imported kangaroo meat from Australia. The petition was filed by three animal protection groups–– Lega Anti Vivisezione, World Animal Protection and Eurogroup for Animals––on the grounds that methods used to kill kangaroos create food safety risks and raise concerns about animal welfare. In making their decision, the Commission said there was no evidence that requirements related to animal welfare or human health are not being met by Australia’s export systems.
US EPA to Consider Whether to Toughen Regulation of Pollution from Animal Agriculture
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it will study whether to toughen regulation of large livestock farms that release manure and other pollutants into waterways. The EPA has not updated its rules regarding pollution from large livestock operations since 2008, but a recent lawsuit filed by Food & Water Watch (FWW) prompted the EPA’s decision to conduct the study. Tarah Heinzen, legal director for FWW, said: “For decades EPA’s lax rules have allowed for devastating and widespread public health and environmental impacts on vulnerable communities across the country.”
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it will study whether to toughen regulation of large livestock farms that release manure and other pollutants into waterways. The EPA has not updated its rules regarding pollution from large livestock operations since 2008, but a recent lawsuit filed by Food & Water Watch (FWW) prompted the EPA’s decision to conduct the study. Tarah Heinzen, legal director for FWW, said: “For decades EPA’s lax rules have allowed for devastating and widespread public health and environmental impacts on vulnerable communities across the country.”
Legislative Updates
Humane Canada Launches Petition in Support of Jane Goodall Act
Humane Canada has launched a petition in support of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act. Since the Bill was re-introduced by Senator Marty Klyne in March 2022, it has been described as “moving at a snail’s pace” through the Senate. The petition urges the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and local Members of Parliament to move the Bill along and prioritize passage of the Jane Goodall Act into law as soon as possible.
Humane Canada has launched a petition in support of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act. Since the Bill was re-introduced by Senator Marty Klyne in March 2022, it has been described as “moving at a snail’s pace” through the Senate. The petition urges the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and local Members of Parliament to move the Bill along and prioritize passage of the Jane Goodall Act into law as soon as possible.
Health Canada Confirms Plan to Ban Cosmetic Testing on Animals
Health Canada has confirmed that they are developing a proposal to introduce changes to the federal Food and Drugs Act which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were tested on animals. The changes would also extend to cosmetics that include ingredients tested on animals. According to a statement by Health Canada, a broad consultation will precede the proposed regulatory changes this year and no changes are expected to be finalized before August 2023.
Health Canada has confirmed that they are developing a proposal to introduce changes to the federal Food and Drugs Act which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics that were tested on animals. The changes would also extend to cosmetics that include ingredients tested on animals. According to a statement by Health Canada, a broad consultation will precede the proposed regulatory changes this year and no changes are expected to be finalized before August 2023.
Enforcement Updates
Cash Reward Being Offered for Information in Ontario Animal Cruelty Case
The Windsor/Essex Humane Society is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in an animal cruelty case. On July 29th, 2022, a one-year-old husky named Angel was found severely burned under a bush and ultimately died as a result of her injuries. The Humane Society’s executive director, Melanie Coulter, said “[s]omeone knows something, and we just hoped that by putting up this reward, we'll get a response.”
The Windsor/Essex Humane Society is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in an animal cruelty case. On July 29th, 2022, a one-year-old husky named Angel was found severely burned under a bush and ultimately died as a result of her injuries. The Humane Society’s executive director, Melanie Coulter, said “[s]omeone knows something, and we just hoped that by putting up this reward, we'll get a response.”
Ontario Animal Care Review Board Upholds Decision to Seize Fourteen Horses from Property in Burk’s Falls
After receiving a complaint that a barn located in Burk’s Falls, Ontario had been condemned by the municipality as an unsafe structure, Animal Welfare Services (AWS) made the decision to seize fourteen horses from the property where the barn was located. Property owner, Julie Nicholls, challenged that decision on the basis that, in her opinion, the horses were never in distress and the municipality’s decision to condemn the structure was invalid. The Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) dismissed the appeal, noting that it was not in their jurisdiction to overturn the municipality’s decision and that there were several other concerns about the horses’ access to food and water as required under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.
After receiving a complaint that a barn located in Burk’s Falls, Ontario had been condemned by the municipality as an unsafe structure, Animal Welfare Services (AWS) made the decision to seize fourteen horses from the property where the barn was located. Property owner, Julie Nicholls, challenged that decision on the basis that, in her opinion, the horses were never in distress and the municipality’s decision to condemn the structure was invalid. The Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) dismissed the appeal, noting that it was not in their jurisdiction to overturn the municipality’s decision and that there were several other concerns about the horses’ access to food and water as required under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.
Agency Updates
Saskatchewan Government and “Sask Pork” Announce One Million Dollars for Swine Disease Mitigation
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit has announced $700,000 in funding to support Saskatchewan’s swine disease preparedness efforts. The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) has said they will further provide $300,000 toward a “swine market disruption plan” meant to help the pork industry prepare for potential animal health emergencies such as an outbreak of African swine fever and the need to quickly slaughter many pigs infected with the disease.
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit has announced $700,000 in funding to support Saskatchewan’s swine disease preparedness efforts. The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) has said they will further provide $300,000 toward a “swine market disruption plan” meant to help the pork industry prepare for potential animal health emergencies such as an outbreak of African swine fever and the need to quickly slaughter many pigs infected with the disease.
Academic Updates
New Study Reveals Which Travel Companies Are Selling and Promoting Animal Entertainment
A new report by World Animal Protection, The Real Responsible Traveller, reveals that only a handful of the world’s leading travel companies are protecting wildlife by opposing the sale and promotion of captive wildlife entertainment or experiences. Airbnb, Booking.com and The Travel Corporation were ranked among the top travel companies, having all proactively removed captive wildlife entertainment from their offerings.
A new report by World Animal Protection, The Real Responsible Traveller, reveals that only a handful of the world’s leading travel companies are protecting wildlife by opposing the sale and promotion of captive wildlife entertainment or experiences. Airbnb, Booking.com and The Travel Corporation were ranked among the top travel companies, having all proactively removed captive wildlife entertainment from their offerings.
New Report Argues that Improving Fish Welfare is Key to Sustainable European Aquaculture
A new report by Compassion in World Farming argues that improving the welfare of farmed fish is critical to the sustainability of European aquaculture, as it often leads to less pollution, lower antibiotic use, and greater food security. The report calls for strict new welfare requirements for fish in the European Union and policies that promote sustainable alternatives like farming seaweed.
A new report by Compassion in World Farming argues that improving the welfare of farmed fish is critical to the sustainability of European aquaculture, as it often leads to less pollution, lower antibiotic use, and greater food security. The report calls for strict new welfare requirements for fish in the European Union and policies that promote sustainable alternatives like farming seaweed.
University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Scientist Leading a Study on Connection Between Zoonotic Diseases and Imported Dogs
A veterinary scientist at the University of Saskatchewan is leading a new study that looks at the link between zoonotic diseases and recently imported dogs. This comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure prohibiting the entry of dogs into Canada from countries at high risk for rabies in September 2022. The risks associated with many of the illnesses carried by imported dogs are still unknown, but study lead, Dr. Tasha Epp (DVM, PhD), said: “In the last five or six years, there’s been quite an interest from both the Public Health Agency and the CFIA to look at the issue of importing dogs into Canada.”
A veterinary scientist at the University of Saskatchewan is leading a new study that looks at the link between zoonotic diseases and recently imported dogs. This comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure prohibiting the entry of dogs into Canada from countries at high risk for rabies in September 2022. The risks associated with many of the illnesses carried by imported dogs are still unknown, but study lead, Dr. Tasha Epp (DVM, PhD), said: “In the last five or six years, there’s been quite an interest from both the Public Health Agency and the CFIA to look at the issue of importing dogs into Canada.”
New Study Looks at Successes and Challenges of Reforming Animal Agriculture Subsidies
Animal advocacy organization, Faunalytics, has published a study that looks at the successes and challenges faced by thirteen organizations in their efforts to shift, reduce, or eliminate animal agriculture subsidies. The study provides several recommendations and lessons learned from a wide range of approaches, including that reforming animal agriculture subsidies needs to be a collaborative effort between animal advocates, environmental advocates, and farmed animal producers.
Animal advocacy organization, Faunalytics, has published a study that looks at the successes and challenges faced by thirteen organizations in their efforts to shift, reduce, or eliminate animal agriculture subsidies. The study provides several recommendations and lessons learned from a wide range of approaches, including that reforming animal agriculture subsidies needs to be a collaborative effort between animal advocates, environmental advocates, and farmed animal producers.
International Updates
Scottish Animal Rights Organization Appeals for Information Following Discovery of Snake Bodies
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) is seeking information following the discovery of three boa constrictor bodies at a site in Carbeth Loch, near Glasgow. It said two of the snakes were discovered among garbage on January 9th and that a third was found in the same location the following day. The SSPCA is saying the incident is being treated as suspicious, seeing as the snakes were located in the same spot and seemed to have been in good health before their deaths.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) is seeking information following the discovery of three boa constrictor bodies at a site in Carbeth Loch, near Glasgow. It said two of the snakes were discovered among garbage on January 9th and that a third was found in the same location the following day. The SSPCA is saying the incident is being treated as suspicious, seeing as the snakes were located in the same spot and seemed to have been in good health before their deaths.
Australia Introduces New Quarantine Rules for Imported Pets
On March 1st, the Australian government will be implementing new rabies virus requirements for imported cats and dogs, including more stringent testing and identity verification rules, as well as longer quarantine requirements for pets under certain conditions. The government says this is because there have been significant changes to the volume of animals coming into the country, which has increased the rabies biosecurity risk.
On March 1st, the Australian government will be implementing new rabies virus requirements for imported cats and dogs, including more stringent testing and identity verification rules, as well as longer quarantine requirements for pets under certain conditions. The government says this is because there have been significant changes to the volume of animals coming into the country, which has increased the rabies biosecurity risk.
Taiwan Passes New Bill Mandating Promotion of Plant-Based Foods
Taiwan has passed a ground-breaking new climate change bill which requires the government to promote low-carbon diets, including plant-based foods. The legislation makes Taiwan one of only a small number of regions to reference plant-based foods specifically in their climate laws.
Taiwan has passed a ground-breaking new climate change bill which requires the government to promote low-carbon diets, including plant-based foods. The legislation makes Taiwan one of only a small number of regions to reference plant-based foods specifically in their climate laws.
UK Animal Welfare Laws Threatened by New Bill
Forty-four of the United Kingdom’s (UK) animal welfare laws carried over from when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU) are at risk of being overturned as part of the new Retained EU law (Revocation & Reform) Bill (REUL) which sets out a process to determine if a retained EU law should be continued. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs said: “If the UK's REUL Bill passes, hard-won laws that we take for granted now, such as the bans on battery hens, cosmetics testing on animals and growth promoters given to farm animals, could be lost.”
Forty-four of the United Kingdom’s (UK) animal welfare laws carried over from when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU) are at risk of being overturned as part of the new Retained EU law (Revocation & Reform) Bill (REUL) which sets out a process to determine if a retained EU law should be continued. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs said: “If the UK's REUL Bill passes, hard-won laws that we take for granted now, such as the bans on battery hens, cosmetics testing on animals and growth promoters given to farm animals, could be lost.”
Sint Maarten Approves Plan to Cull Entire Population of Vervet Monkeys
The government of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull its entire population of vervet monkeys. The monkeys are a non-native, invasive species on the island and authorities are concerned about their impact on Sint Maarten’s ecosystems. The Nature Foundation St Maarten opposes the cull and plans to meet with the government to discuss alternatives, such as a sterilisation and population management programme.
The government of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull its entire population of vervet monkeys. The monkeys are a non-native, invasive species on the island and authorities are concerned about their impact on Sint Maarten’s ecosystems. The Nature Foundation St Maarten opposes the cull and plans to meet with the government to discuss alternatives, such as a sterilisation and population management programme.
“Good Meat” Receives Approval to Sell Cultivated Meat in Singapore
Good Meat, a division of Eat Just, was approved to sell its lab-grown chicken meat in Singapore in 2020. It has now received regulatory approval from the Singapore Food Agency to sell serum-free cultivated meat. Serums like fetal bovine serum, which is made from the blood of fetuses extracted from cows during the slaughter process, are usually needed for cells from a living animal to duplicate. Andrew Noyes, head of communications at Eat Just, said: “Today’s news is another historic milestone for us and for the entire industry as it brings us all closer to a more scalable and sustainable production of real meat without slaughter.”
Good Meat, a division of Eat Just, was approved to sell its lab-grown chicken meat in Singapore in 2020. It has now received regulatory approval from the Singapore Food Agency to sell serum-free cultivated meat. Serums like fetal bovine serum, which is made from the blood of fetuses extracted from cows during the slaughter process, are usually needed for cells from a living animal to duplicate. Andrew Noyes, head of communications at Eat Just, said: “Today’s news is another historic milestone for us and for the entire industry as it brings us all closer to a more scalable and sustainable production of real meat without slaughter.”
Tiger Shot Dead in South Africa Following Escape from Enclosure
Sheba, an eight-year-old tiger, was shot dead after escaping a small enclosure at a private farm south of Johannesburg. Officials say that it was not an option to recapture her safely. Sheba’s escape has led to questions about South Africa’s laws surrounding keeping exotic animals as pets, as well as calls for license requirements to be able to do so. “[The tigress] was unwillingly brought [to the private farm] to be held in captivity, something that should not have been allowed to take place to begin with,” said the SPCA.
Sheba, an eight-year-old tiger, was shot dead after escaping a small enclosure at a private farm south of Johannesburg. Officials say that it was not an option to recapture her safely. Sheba’s escape has led to questions about South Africa’s laws surrounding keeping exotic animals as pets, as well as calls for license requirements to be able to do so. “[The tigress] was unwillingly brought [to the private farm] to be held in captivity, something that should not have been allowed to take place to begin with,” said the SPCA.
New Report Reveals Widespread Violations of Norway’s Animal Welfare Laws on Pig Farms
Norwegian police are looking into whether hundreds of pig farmers should be charged for violating the country’s Animal Welfare Act after a report exposed that over half of 582 pig herds inspected did not meet requirements for the humane treatment of livestock. Tone Strømsnes Olsen, who investigates animal welfare crimes at Norway’s special police unit known as Økokrim, said that cases which might qualify for a prison sentence must be reported because “[a]nimals are silent and defenseless. They cannot express what they are exposed to.”
Norwegian police are looking into whether hundreds of pig farmers should be charged for violating the country’s Animal Welfare Act after a report exposed that over half of 582 pig herds inspected did not meet requirements for the humane treatment of livestock. Tone Strømsnes Olsen, who investigates animal welfare crimes at Norway’s special police unit known as Økokrim, said that cases which might qualify for a prison sentence must be reported because “[a]nimals are silent and defenseless. They cannot express what they are exposed to.”
Edinburgh Becomes First European Capital to Endorse Plant Based Treaty
Edinburgh City Council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, which calls for a shift towards plant-based diets in order to reduce consumption-based emissions and help tackle climate change. The treaty’s demands include transitioning to plant-based meal plans in all government institutions and introducing a “meat tax,” among other initiatives. Scottish Green councillor Steve Burgess, who introduced the treaty to the council last March, said: "By declaring our endorsement, we are acknowledging that food systems are a main driver of the climate emergency and that a shift towards plant-based diets can go a huge way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Edinburgh City Council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, which calls for a shift towards plant-based diets in order to reduce consumption-based emissions and help tackle climate change. The treaty’s demands include transitioning to plant-based meal plans in all government institutions and introducing a “meat tax,” among other initiatives. Scottish Green councillor Steve Burgess, who introduced the treaty to the council last March, said: "By declaring our endorsement, we are acknowledging that food systems are a main driver of the climate emergency and that a shift towards plant-based diets can go a huge way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Portugal Considers Constitutionality of Pet Protection Laws
Portugal’s public prosecutors have asked the country’s constitutional court to declare a law that criminalises the abuse and abandonment of pets unconstitutional. The public prosecutors argue that the law does not threaten any of the values protected by the country’s constitution, such as the right to life, personal integrity, freedom, security, private property and freedom of expression. On January 21st, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Lisbon to show their support for the legislation.
Portugal’s public prosecutors have asked the country’s constitutional court to declare a law that criminalises the abuse and abandonment of pets unconstitutional. The public prosecutors argue that the law does not threaten any of the values protected by the country’s constitution, such as the right to life, personal integrity, freedom, security, private property and freedom of expression. On January 21st, thousands of protestors took to the streets of Lisbon to show their support for the legislation.
European Union Rejects Call to Ban Imported Kangaroo Meat
The European Commission has rejected a petition to ban imported kangaroo meat from Australia. The petition was filed by three animal protection groups–– Lega Anti Vivisezione, World Animal Protection and Eurogroup for Animals––on the grounds that methods used to kill kangaroos create food safety risks and raise concerns about animal welfare. In making their decision, the Commission said there was no evidence that requirements related to animal welfare or human health are not being met by Australia’s export systems.
The European Commission has rejected a petition to ban imported kangaroo meat from Australia. The petition was filed by three animal protection groups–– Lega Anti Vivisezione, World Animal Protection and Eurogroup for Animals––on the grounds that methods used to kill kangaroos create food safety risks and raise concerns about animal welfare. In making their decision, the Commission said there was no evidence that requirements related to animal welfare or human health are not being met by Australia’s export systems.
US EPA to Consider Whether to Toughen Regulation of Pollution from Animal Agriculture
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it will study whether to toughen regulation of large livestock farms that release manure and other pollutants into waterways. The EPA has not updated its rules regarding pollution from large livestock operations since 2008, but a recent lawsuit filed by Food & Water Watch (FWW) prompted the EPA’s decision to conduct the study. Tarah Heinzen, legal director for FWW, said: “For decades EPA’s lax rules have allowed for devastating and widespread public health and environmental impacts on vulnerable communities across the country.”
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it will study whether to toughen regulation of large livestock farms that release manure and other pollutants into waterways. The EPA has not updated its rules regarding pollution from large livestock operations since 2008, but a recent lawsuit filed by Food & Water Watch (FWW) prompted the EPA’s decision to conduct the study. Tarah Heinzen, legal director for FWW, said: “For decades EPA’s lax rules have allowed for devastating and widespread public health and environmental impacts on vulnerable communities across the country.”
Other Updates
Canadian Armed Forces to Recommence Live-Fire Training Following Marine Study
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is resuming their weapons training off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. This comes after a three-year pause to study its impacts on marine mammals, including the endangered southern resident killer whale—which it has deemed to be “negligible”. Vancouver engineering firm Golder Associates conducted the study and found that the CAF’s current regulations are sufficient to lessen the effects of aerial and sea surface gunnery on these animals. However, the study advises them to conduct further studies on how in-air gunfire affects aquatic animals, as it says that not enough is known about that issue. The CAF has emphasized that all Canadian aircraft and vessels (and those of allied nations) must comply with “stringent mitigation procedures” when carrying out training operations in the area to protect marine mammals.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is resuming their weapons training off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. This comes after a three-year pause to study its impacts on marine mammals, including the endangered southern resident killer whale—which it has deemed to be “negligible”. Vancouver engineering firm Golder Associates conducted the study and found that the CAF’s current regulations are sufficient to lessen the effects of aerial and sea surface gunnery on these animals. However, the study advises them to conduct further studies on how in-air gunfire affects aquatic animals, as it says that not enough is known about that issue. The CAF has emphasized that all Canadian aircraft and vessels (and those of allied nations) must comply with “stringent mitigation procedures” when carrying out training operations in the area to protect marine mammals.
Up to Thirty Pop-up Dog Parks to be Installed in the City of Edmonton
The City of Edmonton will begin installing up to thirty pop-up dog parks in neighbourhoods across the city in the spring of 2023. This is part of a six-month pilot project designed to help build “15-minute communities,” which includes having a dog park within a fifteen-minute walk of everyone’s home.
The City of Edmonton will begin installing up to thirty pop-up dog parks in neighbourhoods across the city in the spring of 2023. This is part of a six-month pilot project designed to help build “15-minute communities,” which includes having a dog park within a fifteen-minute walk of everyone’s home.
Ottawa Township Urged Not to Approve Kennel Application
Residents of the Township of Whitewater Region are urging council to reject an application by a local dog breeder that would allow them to run a licensed kennel on their property. During a council meeting on January 18th, several residents alleged there had been a history of dog mistreatment at one of the properties owned by the breeder. Approximately 2,500 people have also signed an online petition calling for the kennel to be shut down entirely. Council has directed staff to take all the feedback from residents and provide another report with recommendations for either their next meeting or the one after that.
Residents of the Township of Whitewater Region are urging council to reject an application by a local dog breeder that would allow them to run a licensed kennel on their property. During a council meeting on January 18th, several residents alleged there had been a history of dog mistreatment at one of the properties owned by the breeder. Approximately 2,500 people have also signed an online petition calling for the kennel to be shut down entirely. Council has directed staff to take all the feedback from residents and provide another report with recommendations for either their next meeting or the one after that.
City of Toronto Seeks Public Feedback on Backyard Hens Pilot Program
The City of Toronto is seeking public feedback on their proposal to make the UrbanHensTO pilot program permanent and city-wide. The program, which allows residents to have hens in specific areas and wards of the City, launched in March 2018 and was set to expire on March 31, 2023. The extension will require City Council approval at its meeting on February 7, 2023.
The City of Toronto is seeking public feedback on their proposal to make the UrbanHensTO pilot program permanent and city-wide. The program, which allows residents to have hens in specific areas and wards of the City, launched in March 2018 and was set to expire on March 31, 2023. The extension will require City Council approval at its meeting on February 7, 2023.