Legislation introduced on Monday aims to regulate commercial dog and cat breeders in British Columbia.
If passed, Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said it will ensure breeders are treating animals humanely.
The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act include establishing an external agency to inspect breeding facilities and enforce standards of care.
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Breeders found in non-compliance with standards of care could have their licenses or registration suspended or cancelled.
The proposed legislation follows consultation with groups including the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Canadian Kennel Clug, the Canadian Cat Association, as well as individual breeders and local governments.
“The partnership the B.C. government and the BC SPCA have built continues to strengthen animal welfare in British Columbia, including around the breeding of our most common family pets,” Letnick said. “The framework for the licensing and registration of commercial breeders of cats and dogs in B.C. is the latest step in our efforts to develop a system that ensures puppies and kittens in B.C. are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Our intent is clear: we want a system that is supported by the responsible breeders in B.C. and targets the ones that aren’t.”
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