MPs Join Animal Protection Groups in Condemning Shameful Legislation, Bill S-203

"Canadians have spoken up on this Bill loudly and clearly - there is no public support for Bill S-203. I have listened to the expert testimony provided by the animal protection groups and the voices of my constituents and will be voting against this Bill," said Marlene Jennings, MP Notre Dame de Grace Lachine.

"The NDP knows that Canadians want effective anti-cruelty legislation - Bill S-203 is nothing more than a smokescreen that will allow acts of cruelty to continue unabated. We have been the only party to consistently oppose this ineffective bill," said Joe Comartin, MP Windsor Tecumseh.

Bill S-203 merely increases penalties for animal cruelty, leaving the archaic offences originally enacted in 1892 untouched.

"It is shameful that, in 2008, our parliament is considering entrenching animal cruelty offences from the Victorian days", stated Shelagh MacDonald, Program Director of the CFHS, representing humane societies and SPCAs from coast to coast. "This bill is simply 19th century legislation adjusted for inflation and we must put a stop to it."

Bill S-203 doesn't address any of the loopholes and weaknesses that currently prevent the prosecution of many animal abusers. In fact, less than 1% of animal abuse investigations lead to a conviction under the Criminal Code.

"Raising penalties on a law that is so difficult to enforce is like fixing the brakes on a car whose engine won't start," said Pat Tohill, WSPA Programs Manager.

A recent report by IFAW shows Canada has the worst animal cruelty laws among the 14 countries surveyed, including the Ukraine and the Philippines.

"As Canadians we should be embarrassed by this ranking. Canadians are overwhelmingly calling for better anti-cruelty legislation. It is time our politicians listened-they must vote against Bill S-203 and for legislation that will help restore our pride as a nation that condemns animal cruelty," said Kim Elmslie, IFAW Anti-cruelty Campaigner.

The CFHS, IFAW and WSPA are outraged Bill S-203 has come this far in the parliamentary process and will continue to fight against Canada's weak and ineffective law.

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