Province Plans No Changes To Animal Welfare Laws

By Robert Thomas

In response to yesterday's protest for tougher animal protection laws the Province has responded.

In a written response the Ministry of Agriculture has said there will be no changes to animal protection laws because the laws were already updated in 2018.

“We can offer no comment on the ruling brought down on the case you referred to,” the statement read.

The case in question was the recent guilty plea by Robyn St Larent to animal cruelty charges.

A case involving a co-accused, Dylan Gellert, is presently winding its way through the Courts.

The written statement pointed out the Province sees animal welfare as a priority and the present laws have significant penalties the Courts can make use of.

“Animal welfare is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan, as evidenced by our announcement of a record high investment in Animal Protective Services, and the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to animal protection under The Animal Protection Act, 2018 and The Animal Protection Regulations, 2018. The Act was updated in 2018, at which time the definition of distress was expanded to allow for more significant fines and penalties to potentially be imposed at the discretion of the justice system,” the statement read.

 The statement continued “Additionally, the Act provides the authority for animal protection officers to determine if an animal is in distress and to investigate individuals who are suspected of causing animal neglect or cruelty. The Act and policies of the animal protection agencies mandate due diligence and actions to be followed while investigating an animal welfare case.”

 The statement continued there are no plans for a tougher provincial animal protection Act.

“Since its thorough update in 2018, there are no plans to update the Act in the immediate future,” the statement read.