Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

Quebec moves to expand animal welfare laws to cover dozens of species

Thor, a Welsh pony, waits out the storm in snow-covered pastures. The Quebec government is moving to vastly expand the scope of its animal welfare legislation to offer increased protection to species ranging from horses and mink to ostriches and turkeys. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The Quebec government is moving to vastly expand the scope of its animal welfare legislation to offer increased protection to species ranging from horses and mink to ostriches and wild turkeys.

Story continues below advertisement

The draft regulation published this week would require fox and mink farms and stables with 15 or more horses to meet the same welfare standards as dog and cat breeding operations.

READ MORE: Montreal moves to ban calèches, tightens animal welfare laws

Under the proposed rules, owners of these farms and stables would have to obtain a permit from the Agriculture Department and submit to regular inspections.

WATCH BELOW: Animal abuse among wildlife increasing

The proposed legislation also outlines care standards that would apply to dozens of other species including bison, deer, boar, ostriches, wild turkeys and some species of fish.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Quebec rodeos violated province’s animal welfare laws: professor

People raising these animals would not need a permit, but they would have to respect rules concerning cleanliness, living space, safety, access to food and water.

WATCH BELOW: SPCA hoped for animal welfare regulation ahead of Quebec election

They would also have to follow procedures to isolate animals that are sick or giving birth.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Quebec won’t go ahead with ban on pit bull-type dogs

The agriculture department estimates the proposed rules would affect about 1,200 businesses, with compliance costing a total of up to $3.3 million in the first year.

Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article