Ontario faces a period of instability in the enforcement of animal cruelty laws following a recent decision by the OSPCA to no longer provide such services.

With just under a week to go before the existing enforcement model is set to expire, the PC government has been silent on a contingency plan to enforce animal welfare laws.

Today, following appeals from constituents, animal welfare advocates, and the Guelph Humane Society, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner asked the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to come forward with a plan and end the government’s silence.

In an open letter, Schreiner asked Minister Jones to “immediately commence consultations for bringing the investigation and enforcement of animal cruelty laws under public jurisdiction.”

“It’s clear this is an untenable situation and we need a new system with public oversight for enforcing these provincial animal cruelty laws,” added Schreiner.

In the meantime, Schreiner is urging the province to adopt transitional measures to help keep animals safe.

In his letter, Schreiner said he supports the request from the Guelph Humane Society and other local humane societies for a temporary extension of their investigation and enforcement authority.

“We need a transition plan that will look out for the well-being of animals and make sure laws continue to be enforced during this period of instability,” wrote Schreiner.

The full text of the letter is below:

Hon. Minister Sylvia Jones
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
18th Floor
25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto ON M7A 1Y6

Re: OSPCA changes and Guelph Humane Society

March 25, 2019

Dear Hon. Minister:

As I am sure you are aware, recent changes regarding the investigation and enforcement of animal cruelty laws have put the welfare of animals at risk in Ontario.

My office has been flooded with concerns from constituents since the OSPCA announcement that it would no longer investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws as of April 1, 2019. I have also been in close contact with the Guelph Humane Society to understand the implications for its continued work to protect animals in Guelph and Wellington County.

I understand the Guelph Humane Society wrote to your office on March 21 to request the government extend investigation and enforcement authority, as an interim measure, to affiliated humane societies that have the capacity and interest in continuing this work until a long-term solution is found.

As MPP for Guelph, I respectfully ask that your Ministry fulfill this request.

Given the Ontario Superior Court’s decision regarding enforcement of animal welfare laws in January, it is clear that we need a new system for protecting animals.

With the OSPCA decision to stop investigation and enforcement so quickly, we also need a transition plan that will look out for the well-being of animals and make sure that animal cruelty laws continue to be enforced.

I support allowing officers of the Guelph Humane Society to continue using their expertise to enforce animal cruelty laws for a temporary period until a long-term plan is developed.

I would also urge the Ministry to immediately commence consultations with humane societies and other stakeholders to reach a permanent solution for bringing the investigation and enforcement of animal cruelty laws under public jurisdiction.

Honourable Minister, it is essential that we keep animals safe during this period of instability. This is an issue that is very important to my community and to people across Ontario who do not want to see animals mistreated.

Sincerely,

Mike Schreiner
MPP, Guelph

source: media release, Green Party of Ontario