FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government introduced amendments today to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Municipalities Act to enhance animal protection.
“Our government is proud to be proposing amendments that will enhance animal protection legislation,” said Environment and Local Government Minster Serge Rousselle. “We have listened to New Brunswickers and understand that protecting animals is a priority for advancing healthy family life and positive communities. We believe it is the right thing to do.”
The proposed amendments create an offence related to animal abandonment and increase penalties for fighting contests involving animals, tethering animals inappropriately, and for failing to humanely euthanize an animal.
Proposed amendments will also provide liability protection for those involved with enforcing the act, create an appeal process related to the licensing of pet establishments, require veterinary certificates of health be obtained prior to the sale of some animals; and create a requirement for veterinarians to report cases of suspected animal neglect.
Proposed amendments to the Municipalities Act will allow animal control services, in addition to the existing dog control, to be provided in local service districts and in some rural communities.
Information about animal protection is available on the Department of Environment and Local Government’s website.
14-02-17