Canada’s Animals Will Not Be Protected by Bogus Bill S-203

Canada’s current—and virtually meaningless—animal cruelty laws have been on the books since 1892!

Animals are not recognized as sentient beings, and those without “owners,” such as strays and wild animals, are not protected at all!

In other words, any psycho can pick up a stray cat or dog and torture it, without any repercussions, whatsoever.

Bill S-203 is suggesting that stronger penalties be applied to those convicted of animal cruelty, under the existing useless law!

But, since animal abusers are rarely convicted, stronger penalties are irrelevant!

An excellent article, by A.S.A. Harrison, which appeared in yesterday’s Globe and Mail, sums it up nicely:

“If Bill S-203 is passed in April or May, when it comes to a third and final reading in the House of Commons, our animal friends will suffer. The bill, which purports to update Canada’s Animal Cruelty Act, is a sham. Some of its critics say that its only function is to earn brownie points for politicians who want to be seen as humane. The bill’s critics include practically every animal protection group in Canada, from the SPCAs and humane societies to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and grassroots organizations.”

On the other hand, Liberal MP, Mark Holland, has tabled Bill C-373, which would prohibit the killing of any animal “without a lawful excuse,” regardless of whether the animal is “owned” by someone or not. Anyone who kills an animal “brutally or viciously,” would be prosecuted, and—most importantly—animals wouldn’t be regarded as PROPERTY!

I’m not sure how this law would apply to lab animals. I would assume if animals are no longer considered property, human beings would not have the right to conduct experiments on them. But, perhaps animal cruelty in the name of “science” would be excused.

Call me naïve, but I can’t understand why our governments are so against giving animals the rights they so obviously deserve. On the other hand, considering how many humans have been denied their rights over the years, I shouldn’t be surprised.

If you’d like to lend a voice and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, you may wish to attend one of the rallies being held on Sunday, March 30, 2008 to oppose the bullshit bill S-203 and demand effective animal cruelty legislation.

Click here for more information.

Please also read: “Stop Animal Cruelty in Canada.”