Update: Ontario’s New Animal Welfare Services Act – Bill 136

Ontario’s Bill 136, Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) came into effect as the new year arrived.  There has been much discussion around this Bill.  It has been said to be one of the best pieces of animal welfare legislation in the country.  Over the last few months PIJAC Canada has been tracking this bill and working to determine any areas of concern, of which there are still some.

We will be connecting with other associations in the coming weeks as well as the government to raise the issues and also to insist on inclusion with relation to Bill 65 – Protecting our Pets Act – to establish an advisory committee to be known as the Companion Animal Wellness Review Committee to inquire into and report on the quality of care provided to companion animals by persons who keep them for the purpose of breeding, exhibition, entertainment, boarding, hire or sale.)  Currently this bill is resting with the Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

There has been much written in the mainstream media and on social media about Bill 136.  Below is a recent article from the Globe and Mail which offers some overarching perspective on the Act.

We will keep you up to date as our efforts continue.