In the aftermath of a court decision in the case of two individuals charged in the vicious killing of a cat, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, (O.F.A.H.), reaffirmed its support for increased penalties and fines against anyone found guilty of animal cruelty.
The O.F.A.H. strongly supports those portions of Bill C-15B, the new federal animal cruelty legislation currently being debated in the House of Commons, that provide for stiffer sentences for animal cruelty, said Greg Farrant, O.F.A.H. Government Relations Manager.
However, members of the outdoor, agricultural and medical research communities continue to seek a small wording change to the bill to protect against frivolous charges being laid against farmers and others who deal with animals on a daily basis. The wording change would have no impact on the portions of the bill that provide for increased penalties against individuals like those charged in the Toronto case.
Every rational person supports increased penalties against anyone who treats animals in this fashion. The agricultural and outdoor community in Canada is appalled by cases of wanton and wilful cruelty against animals, said Farrant. The wording change to Bill C-15B that we are seeking is intended to protect people in the animal dependent community, and is unrelated to portions of the bill that provide for increased penalties against animal abusers.