Animals Matter to Me!

Dear [Decision maker],

Animals matter to me. They also matter to millions of Canadians who own companion animals, and to the veterinarians and farmers who depend on animals for their livelihoods. So, I'd like to know what you and your party will do to better protect animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise standards for animal welfare in Canada and around the world.

In particular, I'd like to know how you stand on two issues of great concern to me: Canada's support for the achievement of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations and support for further amendments to Canada's animal cruelty laws under the Criminal Code of Canada.

The campaign to achieve a UDAW at the United Nations is strong and growing. The World Organization for Animal Health, comprised of the Chief Veterinary Officers from 172 countries, including Canada, passed a resolution in May of 2007 supporting the development of a UDAW. This past July, the World Veterinary Association, representing veterinarians around the world passed a similar resolution. The UDAW effort is also supported by the World Society for the Protection of Animals which represents more than 900 humane societies and other animal protection organizations in more than 150 countries. More than 1.5 million people, including more than 50,000 Canadians have signed petitions in support of a UDAW.

Such an agreement would recognize that animals have the capacity to feel pain and suffer and that their welfare deserves consideration and respect. It is hoped that this would serve as a catalyst to encourage and enable governments to implement national animal protection legislation and initiatives.

I hope you and your party will commit to supporting this important international initiative. At the same time I would like to see you work with the other parties to bring about real and meaningful improvements to Canada's own animal protection legislation. The animal cruelty provisions under the Criminal Code are woefully inadequate and have not been significantly revised since 1892.

While recently passed amendments under Bill S-203 will raise maximum penalties for some animal cruelty offences, this will not address the problem that only 1% of animal cruelty investigations in Canada result in a conviction under the Criminal Code. Loopholes in our legislation remain, which allow the vast majority of offenders to escape punishment. It is truly shameful to know that Canada continues to lag behind the Ukraine, Philippines and other developing countries when it comes to the laws which protect animals from cruelty.

Will you, as leader of your party, commit to making Canada a leader in animal welfare?

Will you support the international initiative to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare?

Will you support strengthening the animal cruelty provisions under the Criminal Code of Canada?