Omnibus Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, includes several consequential amendments to the land-use planning framework in Ontario. Phil Pothen of Environmental Defence raised concerns that the law would eliminate critical protections for many of “Ontario’s rarest and most at-risk wildlife and habitats” and “leave vast swathes of Ontario’s most important habitats largely unprotected” from development.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Ontario Housing Bill Puts Critical Wildlife Habitat at Risk
Senator Mary Jane McCallum Speaks Up in Support of Jane Goodall Act
During second reading debates in the Senate on November 1st, Senator Mary Jane McCallum spoke up in favour of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Senator McCallum urged the senators to practice consistency, noting “[t]his chamber did critical work in passing similar legislation as it pertains to whales and dolphins in captivity. Let us ensure we always take a view that lends itself to compassion for all animals with whom we share this planet.”
During second reading debates in the Senate on November 1st, Senator Mary Jane McCallum spoke up in favour of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Senator McCallum urged the senators to practice consistency, noting “[t]his chamber did critical work in passing similar legislation as it pertains to whales and dolphins in captivity. Let us ensure we always take a view that lends itself to compassion for all animals with whom we share this planet.”
Federal Bill S-5 on Animal Testing Referred to Committee
Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, completed second reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. The proposed bill recognizes that the Government should work to reduce testing on animals and promote the development of alternatives.
Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, completed second reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. The proposed bill recognizes that the Government should work to reduce testing on animals and promote the development of alternatives.
Ontario Proposes to Remove 7,400 Acres of Habitat in the Greenbelt
Ontario’s provincial government has launched a thirty-day consultation on their proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt to make room for housing. Ontario’s Greenbelt is home to seventy-eight species at risk in the province. It was established in 2005 to protect some of Ontario’s most at-risk ecosystems and critical habitats from sprawling urban development.
Ontario’s provincial government has launched a thirty-day consultation on their proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt to make room for housing. Ontario’s Greenbelt is home to seventy-eight species at risk in the province. It was established in 2005 to protect some of Ontario’s most at-risk ecosystems and critical habitats from sprawling urban development.
Enforcement Spotlights
Investigation Reveals Widespread Cruelty at Ontario’s Zoos
CTV’s W5 broadcast to the nation undercover footage documented by Animal Justice at roadside zoos across Ontario. The footage revealed widespread animal suffering, including psychological distress, physical injuries, and death. Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, said “Ontario is the Wild West. There's almost no oversight over zoos. There's no regulations and no licence required to set up a zoo. So I can't build a patio in my backyard without a permit, but I could open up a zoo and fill it with wild, dangerous, exotic animals.”
CTV’s W5 broadcast to the nation undercover footage documented by Animal Justice at roadside zoos across Ontario. The footage revealed widespread animal suffering, including psychological distress, physical injuries, and death. Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, said “Ontario is the Wild West. There's almost no oversight over zoos. There's no regulations and no licence required to set up a zoo. So I can't build a patio in my backyard without a permit, but I could open up a zoo and fill it with wild, dangerous, exotic animals.”
Two Men Charged in Killing of Animals at Quebec Safari Park
On November 10th, two men allegedly broke into Parc Omega––a safari park located in Montebello, Quebec––and killed three wild boars and an elk. The men are being charged under the Criminal Code with willfully killing animals kept for a lawful purpose, breaking and entering a place other than a dwelling house, illegally transporting firearms, and unlawfully firing and using a firearm during a break and enter. One of the men remains in custody, while the other has been released with conditions.
On November 10th, two men allegedly broke into Parc Omega––a safari park located in Montebello, Quebec––and killed three wild boars and an elk. The men are being charged under the Criminal Code with willfully killing animals kept for a lawful purpose, breaking and entering a place other than a dwelling house, illegally transporting firearms, and unlawfully firing and using a firearm during a break and enter. One of the men remains in custody, while the other has been released with conditions.
Academic Spotlights
New Book Highlighting Our Ethical Responsibilities to Animals Available for Pre-Order
Martha C. Nussbaum, Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility (US: Simon & Schuster, 2023).
Summary: A revolutionary new theory and call to action on animal rights, ethics, and law from the renowned philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum.
Animals are in trouble all over the world. Whether through the cruelties of the factory meat industry, poaching and game hunting, habitat destruction, or neglect of the companion animals that people purport to love, animals suffer injustice and horrors at our hands every day.
The world needs an ethical awakening, a consciousness-raising movement of international proportions. In Justice for Animals, one of the world’s most influential philosophers and humanists Martha C. Nussbaum provides a revolutionary approach to animal rights, ethics, and law.
From dolphins to crows, elephants to octopuses, Nussbaum examines the entire animal kingdom, showcasing the lives of animals with wonder, awe, and compassion to understand how we can create a world in which human beings are truly friends of animals, not exploiters or users. All animals should have a shot at flourishing in their own way. Humans have a collective duty to face and solve animal harm. An urgent call to action and a manual for change, Nussbaum’s groundbreaking theory directs politics and law to help us meet our ethical responsibilities as no book has done before.
This title is now available for pre-order and will be released on January 3, 2023.
Martha C. Nussbaum, Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility (US: Simon & Schuster, 2023).
Summary: A revolutionary new theory and call to action on animal rights, ethics, and law from the renowned philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum.
Animals are in trouble all over the world. Whether through the cruelties of the factory meat industry, poaching and game hunting, habitat destruction, or neglect of the companion animals that people purport to love, animals suffer injustice and horrors at our hands every day.
The world needs an ethical awakening, a consciousness-raising movement of international proportions. In Justice for Animals, one of the world’s most influential philosophers and humanists Martha C. Nussbaum provides a revolutionary approach to animal rights, ethics, and law.
From dolphins to crows, elephants to octopuses, Nussbaum examines the entire animal kingdom, showcasing the lives of animals with wonder, awe, and compassion to understand how we can create a world in which human beings are truly friends of animals, not exploiters or users. All animals should have a shot at flourishing in their own way. Humans have a collective duty to face and solve animal harm. An urgent call to action and a manual for change, Nussbaum’s groundbreaking theory directs politics and law to help us meet our ethical responsibilities as no book has done before.
This title is now available for pre-order and will be released on January 3, 2023.
International Spotlights
United Kingdom Gene Editing Bill Sparks Animal Welfare Concerns
The United Kingdom’s Bill 64, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, is currently at second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill would create a new regulatory regime for plants, animals, food, and food products developed through “precision breeding” technologies, a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of plants and animals. The Bill has been critiqued by Labour Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, who pointed to public concerns about animal welfare and insisted safeguards should be put in place to ensure gene editing would not mean animals were “kept in poorer, more crowded, stressful conditions.”
The United Kingdom’s Bill 64, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, is currently at second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill would create a new regulatory regime for plants, animals, food, and food products developed through “precision breeding” technologies, a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of plants and animals. The Bill has been critiqued by Labour Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, who pointed to public concerns about animal welfare and insisted safeguards should be put in place to ensure gene editing would not mean animals were “kept in poorer, more crowded, stressful conditions.”
Study Reveals That Only One in 300 Animal Welfare Complaints at United Kingdom Farms Results in Prosecution
A report by Animal Equality and the Animal Law Foundation revealed that just one in 300 complaints about animal welfare at farms in the United Kingdom actually led to a prosecution over the last four years. Abigail Penny, the Executive Director of Animal Equality, said “Non-compliance is endemic, evidenced time and again through undercover investigations and now further bolstered by the data revealed in this report.”
A report by Animal Equality and the Animal Law Foundation revealed that just one in 300 complaints about animal welfare at farms in the United Kingdom actually led to a prosecution over the last four years. Abigail Penny, the Executive Director of Animal Equality, said “Non-compliance is endemic, evidenced time and again through undercover investigations and now further bolstered by the data revealed in this report.”
Other Spotlights
Animal Rights Activists Hold Ceremony for Animals Lost in War
On November 6th, animal rights activists held a ceremony for animals lost in war at the National War Memorial. When asked why she decided to host the ceremony, Animal Protection Party member Kimberly LaMontagne said: “They did not sacrifice their lives for their country, they had no say in the matter. And those who did survive the horrors of war were often discarded on the battlefield after being injured. We are here to honour these animals, and to help prevent more from falling in their wake.”
On November 6th, animal rights activists held a ceremony for animals lost in war at the National War Memorial. When asked why she decided to host the ceremony, Animal Protection Party member Kimberly LaMontagne said: “They did not sacrifice their lives for their country, they had no say in the matter. And those who did survive the horrors of war were often discarded on the battlefield after being injured. We are here to honour these animals, and to help prevent more from falling in their wake.”
Animal Service Calls Increase in Toronto as Raccoon Distemper Outbreak Declared
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) has declared a distemper outbreak among raccoons after a dramatic increase in service requests this year. TAS says that raccoons with distemper typically “lose their fear of humans, appear blind and confused, may wander aimlessly, and may become aggressive, if cornered.”
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) has declared a distemper outbreak among raccoons after a dramatic increase in service requests this year. TAS says that raccoons with distemper typically “lose their fear of humans, appear blind and confused, may wander aimlessly, and may become aggressive, if cornered.”
Canadians are Calling on the Federal Government to End the Live Export of Horses for Slaughter
A federal e-petition has been initiated by Canadian icon Jann Arden calling on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to end the live export of horses for slaughter in Japan. Currently, thousands of live horses are exported from Alberta and Manitoba every year to be killed overseas. The Liberal Party committed to banning the practice during the 2021 election but has yet to follow through on that commitment. The petition can be signed by Canadian residents or citizens, and with enough signatures, MP Alistair MacGregor will present the petition to the House of Commons and compel the government to address the issue with a response.
A federal e-petition has been initiated by Canadian icon Jann Arden calling on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to end the live export of horses for slaughter in Japan. Currently, thousands of live horses are exported from Alberta and Manitoba every year to be killed overseas. The Liberal Party committed to banning the practice during the 2021 election but has yet to follow through on that commitment. The petition can be signed by Canadian residents or citizens, and with enough signatures, MP Alistair MacGregor will present the petition to the House of Commons and compel the government to address the issue with a response.
Legislative Updates
Ontario Housing Bill Puts Critical Wildlife Habitat at Risk
Omnibus Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, includes several consequential amendments to the land-use planning framework in Ontario. Phil Pothen of Environmental Defence raised concerns that the law would eliminate critical protections for many of “Ontario’s rarest and most at-risk wildlife and habitats” and “leave vast swathes of Ontario’s most important habitats largely unprotected” from development.
Omnibus Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, includes several consequential amendments to the land-use planning framework in Ontario. Phil Pothen of Environmental Defence raised concerns that the law would eliminate critical protections for many of “Ontario’s rarest and most at-risk wildlife and habitats” and “leave vast swathes of Ontario’s most important habitats largely unprotected” from development.
Senator Mary Jane McCallum Speaks Up in Support of Jane Goodall Act
During second reading debates in the Senate on November 1st, Senator Mary Jane McCallum spoke up in favour of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Senator McCallum urged the senators to practice consistency, noting “[t]his chamber did critical work in passing similar legislation as it pertains to whales and dolphins in captivity. Let us ensure we always take a view that lends itself to compassion for all animals with whom we share this planet.”
During second reading debates in the Senate on November 1st, Senator Mary Jane McCallum spoke up in favour of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Senator McCallum urged the senators to practice consistency, noting “[t]his chamber did critical work in passing similar legislation as it pertains to whales and dolphins in captivity. Let us ensure we always take a view that lends itself to compassion for all animals with whom we share this planet.”
Yukon Animal Protection Bill Criticized by Industry Groups
Bill 20, the Animal Protection and Control Act, tabled by Yukon’s Minister of Environment, Nils Clarke, is being criticized by industry groups who say they were not adequately consulted before the bill was introduced. Bill 20 would replace old animal protection legislation in the territory and introduce new regulations for animal-related businesses, including pet stores and boarding facilities. Clarke noted that "this is not legislation just for key stakeholders. It's for all Yukoners, both pet owners and non-pet owners."
Bill 20, the Animal Protection and Control Act, tabled by Yukon’s Minister of Environment, Nils Clarke, is being criticized by industry groups who say they were not adequately consulted before the bill was introduced. Bill 20 would replace old animal protection legislation in the territory and introduce new regulations for animal-related businesses, including pet stores and boarding facilities. Clarke noted that "this is not legislation just for key stakeholders. It's for all Yukoners, both pet owners and non-pet owners."
Federal Bill S-5 on Animal Testing Referred to Committee
Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, completed second reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. The proposed bill recognizes that the Government should work to reduce testing on animals and promote the development of alternatives.
Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, completed second reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. The proposed bill recognizes that the Government should work to reduce testing on animals and promote the development of alternatives.
Ontario Proposes to Remove 7,400 Acres of Habitat in the Greenbelt
Ontario’s provincial government has launched a thirty-day consultation on their proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt to make room for housing. Ontario’s Greenbelt is home to seventy-eight species at risk in the province. It was established in 2005 to protect some of Ontario’s most at-risk ecosystems and critical habitats from sprawling urban development.
Ontario’s provincial government has launched a thirty-day consultation on their proposal to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt to make room for housing. Ontario’s Greenbelt is home to seventy-eight species at risk in the province. It was established in 2005 to protect some of Ontario’s most at-risk ecosystems and critical habitats from sprawling urban development.
Prince Edward Island Bill Would Allow “No Pet” Clauses in Rental Agreements
Bill 87, the Residential Tenancy Act, tabled by Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Social Development and Housing, Matthew MacKay, would allow landlords to refuse to rent to families who have companion animals and permit “no pet” clauses in rental agreements. Animal Justice wrote to MacKay and Premier Dennis King and urged them to amend the bill to protect families with pets from discrimination in rental housing. Bill 87 is expected to be debated and voted on in the legislature as soon as November 18th.
Bill 87, the Residential Tenancy Act, tabled by Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Social Development and Housing, Matthew MacKay, would allow landlords to refuse to rent to families who have companion animals and permit “no pet” clauses in rental agreements. Animal Justice wrote to MacKay and Premier Dennis King and urged them to amend the bill to protect families with pets from discrimination in rental housing. Bill 87 is expected to be debated and voted on in the legislature as soon as November 18th.
Litigation Updates
Northwest Territories Caribou Court Case Begins
A judge began to hear arguments on caribou conservation in Colville Lake in the Northwest Territories. This small community, consisting primarily of people from the Dene nation, is challenging the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources rejection of a community conservation plan and his decision to place an annual cap on the number of caribou that can be hunted on traditional land. Lawyers for the applicants argue that this rejection, which was given without reasons, violates treaty rights and that a community-based development approach would align with Dene customs and ensure a better outcome for caribou.
A judge began to hear arguments on caribou conservation in Colville Lake in the Northwest Territories. This small community, consisting primarily of people from the Dene nation, is challenging the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources rejection of a community conservation plan and his decision to place an annual cap on the number of caribou that can be hunted on traditional land. Lawyers for the applicants argue that this rejection, which was given without reasons, violates treaty rights and that a community-based development approach would align with Dene customs and ensure a better outcome for caribou.
Enforcement Updates
Investigation Reveals Widespread Cruelty at Ontario’s Zoos
CTV’s W5 broadcast to the nation undercover footage documented by Animal Justice at roadside zoos across Ontario. The footage revealed widespread animal suffering, including psychological distress, physical injuries, and death. Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, said “Ontario is the Wild West. There's almost no oversight over zoos. There's no regulations and no licence required to set up a zoo. So I can't build a patio in my backyard without a permit, but I could open up a zoo and fill it with wild, dangerous, exotic animals.”
CTV’s W5 broadcast to the nation undercover footage documented by Animal Justice at roadside zoos across Ontario. The footage revealed widespread animal suffering, including psychological distress, physical injuries, and death. Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, said “Ontario is the Wild West. There's almost no oversight over zoos. There's no regulations and no licence required to set up a zoo. So I can't build a patio in my backyard without a permit, but I could open up a zoo and fill it with wild, dangerous, exotic animals.”
Two Men Charged in Killing of Animals at Quebec Safari Park
On November 10th, two men allegedly broke into Parc Omega––a safari park located in Montebello, Quebec––and killed three wild boars and an elk. The men are being charged under the Criminal Code with willfully killing animals kept for a lawful purpose, breaking and entering a place other than a dwelling house, illegally transporting firearms, and unlawfully firing and using a firearm during a break and enter. One of the men remains in custody, while the other has been released with conditions.
On November 10th, two men allegedly broke into Parc Omega––a safari park located in Montebello, Quebec––and killed three wild boars and an elk. The men are being charged under the Criminal Code with willfully killing animals kept for a lawful purpose, breaking and entering a place other than a dwelling house, illegally transporting firearms, and unlawfully firing and using a firearm during a break and enter. One of the men remains in custody, while the other has been released with conditions.
Investigation Launched After Dog Killed in Animal Trap on Prince Edward Island
Conservation and animal protection officers on Prince Edward Island are investigating after a dog was caught in an animal trap and killed near Wright’s Creek trail system in Charlottetown. Carmen Perry, the dog’s owner, said “[i]t happened so fast […] She was ensnared. She stuck her head in it, and it demolished her. She was killed instantly.”
Conservation and animal protection officers on Prince Edward Island are investigating after a dog was caught in an animal trap and killed near Wright’s Creek trail system in Charlottetown. Carmen Perry, the dog’s owner, said “[i]t happened so fast […] She was ensnared. She stuck her head in it, and it demolished her. She was killed instantly.”
Academic Updates
New Book Highlighting Our Ethical Responsibilities to Animals Available for Pre-Order
Martha C. Nussbaum, Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility (US: Simon & Schuster, 2023).
Summary: A revolutionary new theory and call to action on animal rights, ethics, and law from the renowned philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum.
Animals are in trouble all over the world. Whether through the cruelties of the factory meat industry, poaching and game hunting, habitat destruction, or neglect of the companion animals that people purport to love, animals suffer injustice and horrors at our hands every day.
The world needs an ethical awakening, a consciousness-raising movement of international proportions. In Justice for Animals, one of the world’s most influential philosophers and humanists Martha C. Nussbaum provides a revolutionary approach to animal rights, ethics, and law.
From dolphins to crows, elephants to octopuses, Nussbaum examines the entire animal kingdom, showcasing the lives of animals with wonder, awe, and compassion to understand how we can create a world in which human beings are truly friends of animals, not exploiters or users. All animals should have a shot at flourishing in their own way. Humans have a collective duty to face and solve animal harm. An urgent call to action and a manual for change, Nussbaum’s groundbreaking theory directs politics and law to help us meet our ethical responsibilities as no book has done before.
This title is now available for pre-order and will be released on January 3, 2023.
Martha C. Nussbaum, Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility (US: Simon & Schuster, 2023).
Summary: A revolutionary new theory and call to action on animal rights, ethics, and law from the renowned philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum.
Animals are in trouble all over the world. Whether through the cruelties of the factory meat industry, poaching and game hunting, habitat destruction, or neglect of the companion animals that people purport to love, animals suffer injustice and horrors at our hands every day.
The world needs an ethical awakening, a consciousness-raising movement of international proportions. In Justice for Animals, one of the world’s most influential philosophers and humanists Martha C. Nussbaum provides a revolutionary approach to animal rights, ethics, and law.
From dolphins to crows, elephants to octopuses, Nussbaum examines the entire animal kingdom, showcasing the lives of animals with wonder, awe, and compassion to understand how we can create a world in which human beings are truly friends of animals, not exploiters or users. All animals should have a shot at flourishing in their own way. Humans have a collective duty to face and solve animal harm. An urgent call to action and a manual for change, Nussbaum’s groundbreaking theory directs politics and law to help us meet our ethical responsibilities as no book has done before.
This title is now available for pre-order and will be released on January 3, 2023.
International Updates
United Kingdom Gene Editing Bill Sparks Animal Welfare Concerns
The United Kingdom’s Bill 64, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, is currently at second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill would create a new regulatory regime for plants, animals, food, and food products developed through “precision breeding” technologies, a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of plants and animals. The Bill has been critiqued by Labour Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, who pointed to public concerns about animal welfare and insisted safeguards should be put in place to ensure gene editing would not mean animals were “kept in poorer, more crowded, stressful conditions.”
The United Kingdom’s Bill 64, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, is currently at second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill would create a new regulatory regime for plants, animals, food, and food products developed through “precision breeding” technologies, a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of plants and animals. The Bill has been critiqued by Labour Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, who pointed to public concerns about animal welfare and insisted safeguards should be put in place to ensure gene editing would not mean animals were “kept in poorer, more crowded, stressful conditions.”
Survey Reveals Consumers are Increasingly Concerned about the Environmental Impact of Animal Agriculture
A survey conducted by global dairy company, Arla Foods, revealed that almost nine in ten consumers care about animal welfare and eight in ten are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food. In response to these concerns, Arla Foods has introduced new welfare and sustainability standard for all of its milk products, including a requirement for the cows to be able to graze freely when weather permits.
A survey conducted by global dairy company, Arla Foods, revealed that almost nine in ten consumers care about animal welfare and eight in ten are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food. In response to these concerns, Arla Foods has introduced new welfare and sustainability standard for all of its milk products, including a requirement for the cows to be able to graze freely when weather permits.
Mumbai Residents Protest for Animal Rights
Nearly 400 Mumbai residents came together in a protest march on November 6th to raise concerns about rising cases of animal cruelty and harassment faced by people who show kindness towards homeless dogs and cats by feeding them. Activist Vijay Mohanani of Bombay Animal Rights said “[w]e organized the protest march to support the Nagpur animals and feeders and also our Powai-based feeders, while also creating awareness about shocking cases of animal cruelties.”
Nearly 400 Mumbai residents came together in a protest march on November 6th to raise concerns about rising cases of animal cruelty and harassment faced by people who show kindness towards homeless dogs and cats by feeding them. Activist Vijay Mohanani of Bombay Animal Rights said “[w]e organized the protest march to support the Nagpur animals and feeders and also our Powai-based feeders, while also creating awareness about shocking cases of animal cruelties.”
Turkish Government Allocates Significant Funding to Protect Stray Animals
Amidst rising concerns about canine-mediated rabies, the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Ministry has allocated 100 million Turkish Liras (approximately $7.2 million CAD) for the neutering of stray animals and the construction of shelters for them. It is estimated that there are more than eight million stray animals in Turkey and these measures are intended to help reduce the number of animals living on the streets and improve the health of those that do.
Amidst rising concerns about canine-mediated rabies, the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Ministry has allocated 100 million Turkish Liras (approximately $7.2 million CAD) for the neutering of stray animals and the construction of shelters for them. It is estimated that there are more than eight million stray animals in Turkey and these measures are intended to help reduce the number of animals living on the streets and improve the health of those that do.
Hungary’s Our Homeland Party Calls for a Ban on Ritual Slaughter
Hungary’s nationalist Our Homeland party has called for bans on both kosher and halal slaughter in the country. An MP of the party, István Szabadi, claims that their position is in line with other countries in Europe and “does not constitute a violation of the right to freedom of religion.”
Hungary’s nationalist Our Homeland party has called for bans on both kosher and halal slaughter in the country. An MP of the party, István Szabadi, claims that their position is in line with other countries in Europe and “does not constitute a violation of the right to freedom of religion.”
Study Reveals That Only One in 300 Animal Welfare Complaints at United Kingdom Farms Results in Prosecution
A report by Animal Equality and the Animal Law Foundation revealed that just one in 300 complaints about animal welfare at farms in the United Kingdom actually led to a prosecution over the last four years. Abigail Penny, the Executive Director of Animal Equality, said “Non-compliance is endemic, evidenced time and again through undercover investigations and now further bolstered by the data revealed in this report.”
A report by Animal Equality and the Animal Law Foundation revealed that just one in 300 complaints about animal welfare at farms in the United Kingdom actually led to a prosecution over the last four years. Abigail Penny, the Executive Director of Animal Equality, said “Non-compliance is endemic, evidenced time and again through undercover investigations and now further bolstered by the data revealed in this report.”
Other Updates
Animal Rights Activists Hold Ceremony for Animals Lost in War
On November 6th, animal rights activists held a ceremony for animals lost in war at the National War Memorial. When asked why she decided to host the ceremony, Animal Protection Party member Kimberly LaMontagne said: “They did not sacrifice their lives for their country, they had no say in the matter. And those who did survive the horrors of war were often discarded on the battlefield after being injured. We are here to honour these animals, and to help prevent more from falling in their wake.”
On November 6th, animal rights activists held a ceremony for animals lost in war at the National War Memorial. When asked why she decided to host the ceremony, Animal Protection Party member Kimberly LaMontagne said: “They did not sacrifice their lives for their country, they had no say in the matter. And those who did survive the horrors of war were often discarded on the battlefield after being injured. We are here to honour these animals, and to help prevent more from falling in their wake.”
Animal Service Calls Increase in Toronto as Raccoon Distemper Outbreak Declared
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) has declared a distemper outbreak among raccoons after a dramatic increase in service requests this year. TAS says that raccoons with distemper typically “lose their fear of humans, appear blind and confused, may wander aimlessly, and may become aggressive, if cornered.”
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) has declared a distemper outbreak among raccoons after a dramatic increase in service requests this year. TAS says that raccoons with distemper typically “lose their fear of humans, appear blind and confused, may wander aimlessly, and may become aggressive, if cornered.”
Canadians are Calling on the Federal Government to End the Live Export of Horses for Slaughter
A federal e-petition has been initiated by Canadian icon Jann Arden calling on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to end the live export of horses for slaughter in Japan. Currently, thousands of live horses are exported from Alberta and Manitoba every year to be killed overseas. The Liberal Party committed to banning the practice during the 2021 election but has yet to follow through on that commitment. The petition can be signed by Canadian residents or citizens, and with enough signatures, MP Alistair MacGregor will present the petition to the House of Commons and compel the government to address the issue with a response.
A federal e-petition has been initiated by Canadian icon Jann Arden calling on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to end the live export of horses for slaughter in Japan. Currently, thousands of live horses are exported from Alberta and Manitoba every year to be killed overseas. The Liberal Party committed to banning the practice during the 2021 election but has yet to follow through on that commitment. The petition can be signed by Canadian residents or citizens, and with enough signatures, MP Alistair MacGregor will present the petition to the House of Commons and compel the government to address the issue with a response.
Calves Killed in British Columbia Highway Crash
More than three dozen calves were killed after a driver lost control of a cattle liner on Highway 16 just west of Prince George in British Columbia (BC). According to Mike Pritchard, yard manager with B.C. Livestock, it was one of the worst livestock fatality incidents he has ever seen on BC roads. Volunteers rescued seventy-one calves from the wreckage but at least three are still missing.
More than three dozen calves were killed after a driver lost control of a cattle liner on Highway 16 just west of Prince George in British Columbia (BC). According to Mike Pritchard, yard manager with B.C. Livestock, it was one of the worst livestock fatality incidents he has ever seen on BC roads. Volunteers rescued seventy-one calves from the wreckage but at least three are still missing.