JUSTICE MINISTER INTRODUCES STRENGTHENED CRIMINAL CODE PROVISIONS ON CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND POLICE OFFICER SAFETY

OTTAWA, December 1, 1999 ¾ The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today introduced in the House of Commons, an omnibus bill that responds to diverse concerns expressed by Canadians. The two main components of the bill deal with cruelty to animals and police officer safety.

"Canadians have made it clear that they expect the law to respond forcefully to callous disregard and contempt for the well-being of animals." said Minister McLellan. "The bill will also enhance legislation that recognizes the danger police officers may face when they investigate incidents or make arrests."

Cruelty to Animals

Proposed amendments on animal cruelty will:

• raise the maximum penalty for intentional cruelty to five years in prison, and not set limits for fines;
• give judges the authority to order anyone convicted of cruelty to animals, to pay restitution (e.g., veterinarian bills, shelter costs) to the animal welfare organization that cared for the animal; and
• prohibit anyone convicted of cruelty to animals from owning an animal for however long a judge considers appropriate.

Amended legislation to deal with cruelty to animals signifies the seriousness of these acts that are often warning signs of violent behaviour aimed at people. Thousands of Canadians have written letters and signed petitions supporting legislative change that will better reflect the value society places on all animals, and discourage those who would abuse them.

"We are delighted with the federal Justice Minister’s response to the concerns and united efforts of so many individuals and humane societies dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. All animals have intrinsic value and inherent dignity," said Bob Gardiner of Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, a national voice on animal welfare issues that speaks collectively for over 400,000 Canadians. "The proposed amendments maintain a balanced sensitivity towards the needs of animals and people, and are a victory for both."

Disarming a Police Officer

Today’s bill will add a new provision in the Criminal Code that will make it a separate and distinct offence to disarm, or attempt to disarm, police officers. The new provision recognizes the serious danger police officers face when they are deprived of their weapon as they carry out investigations and make arrests. The offence will carry a maximum penalty of five years.

"The federal government has demonstrated commitment and responsiveness in the name of public safety and the safety of our front-line officers," said Grant Obst, President of the Canadian Police Association a national organization representing 300 police associations and 30,000 members across Canada. Public and police officer safety were at the forefront of its annual conference in August. "We welcome the introduction of this new law and encourage its speedy passage by Parliament."

Technical changes to the Firearms Act

In response to concerns of firearms businesses, today’s bill proposes technical amendments to the Firearms Act that will ‘grandfather’ the inventories of prohibited handguns held by businesses on February 14, 1995, so that they can sell to individuals eligible under the Act.

Other amendments will adjust employee licensing requirements in order to better reflect appropriate firearms safety training for employees who handle restricted and prohibited firearms as opposed to non-restricted firearms.

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Ref.:

Minister’s Office

Line Chabot-Racine
Director of Communications
(613) 992-4621

Disarming a Police Officer
Omnibus Bill (general)

Dave Whellams
Counsel
Criminal Law Policy
(613) 957-4688

Cruelty to Animals

Joanne Klineberg
Counsel
Criminal Law Policy
(613) 941-4126

Firearms

William Bartlett
Counsel
Canadian Firearms Centre
(613) 952-5082

Online version of the bill will be available at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/