Amendments To The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act

Apr 30 2008

Amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act have recently come into force in the Province of British Columbia.  These changes increase the protection of animals and impose more severe consequences on owners who fail to take care of their animals. 

Under the new provisions, an owner who breaches the duty to provide proper care for the animal can now be exposed to a maximum fine of $5,000 or 6 months in prison, or both, for the first offence and a maximum fine of $10,000 or 6 months in prison, or both, for a subsequent offence.

The amendments also give animal control workers additional powers related to obtaining warrants and seizing evidence of an offence under the Act.

The amendments to the Act can be found at:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/38th4th/1st_read/gov09-1.htm

These items are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. The legal issues addressed in these items are subject to changes in the applicable law. You should always seek legal advice concerning any specific issues affecting you or your business.