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e-2997 (Animals)

E-petition
Initiated by Margaret McCullough from Victoria, British Columbia

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Animals in puppy mills are kept in cramped, filthy conditions with no opportunity for exercise, socialisation or veterinary care;
  • The living conditions for animals in a puppy mill include tiny wire or wooden cages, old tractor cabs, and the mother dogs being chained to trees;
  • Mother dogs are repeatedly bred, spend their whole lives in these appalling living conditions and often suffer with debilitating eye, skin, ear, foot and other diseases;
  • When mother dogs are unable to breed anymore they are discarded, and more than often killed; and
  • Inbreeding is common in puppy mills, and the puppies are often sick and suffer with horrific genetic disorders.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ban the operation of puppy mills in the entire country.

Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable

The Government of Canada takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) supports the efforts of various national organizations to eradicate puppy mills through public education. These organizations include, but are not limited to, Humane Canada and the National Companion Animal Coalition.

The CFIA is responsible for regulating the importation of animals, including dogs, into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. CFIA veterinarians administer and enforce the humane transport and import requirements at the border.

Canadian provinces have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including pets.  All provinces and territories have laws with regard to animal welfare. Provincial and territorial legislation tends to be general in scope, covering a wide range of animal welfare and interests. Some provinces and territories have regulations that govern specific aspects of animal welfare or are related to certain species.

In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from willfully causing animals to suffer from neglect, pain, and injury. The Criminal Code is enforced by police services, provincial and territorial Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, and/or provincial and territorial ministries of agriculture.     

 

 

Open for signature
December 15, 2020, at 11:54 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
March 15, 2021, at 11:54 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (Beaches—East York)
May 6, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00919)
Government response tabled
June 21, 2021
Photo - Nathaniel Erskine-Smith
Beaches—East York
Liberal Caucus
Ontario