After carefully considering the options and reading the many hundreds of pieces of correspondence that I have received from concerned constituents, it is clear to me that I must support the proposed legislation as outlined in Bill C-246. I would like to thank everyone in Oakville who took the time to write to me to thoughtfully express their concerns over this Bill.
The bill proposes to modernize Canada’s animal cruelty laws and amends the Criminal Code to consolidate and modernize various offences against animals. At the local level it will help to close legal loopholes on abusive puppy mills, animal fighting and make gross negligence the standard for assessing animal cruelty.
Summary of Bill C-248
The enactment amends the Fisheries Act to prohibit the practice of shark finning and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act to prohibit the importation of shark fins that are not attached to the rest of the shark carcass.
It also amends the Textile Labelling Act to modify requirements in respect of animal hair and fur and cat and dog skin, hair and fur.
It also amends the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act to add products made in whole or in part of dog or cat fur or skin to Schedule 2 to that Act to prohibit those products from being imported into Canada or manufactured, advertised or sold in Canada.
"We at the OMHS are very glad to have the support of MP John Oliver for Bill C-246. This bill will close the numerous loopholes that hinder the prosecution of animal cruelty in our communities. Those who abuse or neglect animals need to be held accountable” said Kim Millan, Executive Director, Oakville & Milton Humane Society.
I believe that these are reasonable measures that will have a positive impact on animals within our society.