The most common misconception is that people honestly believe that animal abuse is ALREADY considered a serious criminal offence in Canada. It is not.
We strongly believe that wanton cruelty, torture and/or the prolonged death of ANY animal out of maliciousness or for the purpose of personal use, profit or gratification should be a serious criminal offence and that the Criminal Code of Canada should be strengthened to reflect that seriousness.
I support the passing of Bill C15 when it is re-introduced this fall (2001)in the House of Commons.
Highlights include:
-Maximum five-year imprisonment term, up from current term of six months.
-Increases the maximum penalty from six months to eighteen months if the Crown elects to proceed by summary conviction.
-Indictable offence punishable by imprisonment not exceeding five years.
-Unlimited fine, judge determines on a case-by-case basis.
-Allows judges to order anyone convicted to pay restitution to a humane society or other organization who cared for the abused animal.
-Sentencing can include a future ban on owning and/or cohabiting with an animal.
-Crimes against animals would be removed from the Property section of the Criminal Code.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
