Montreal, July 30, 2014 – The Association of Progressive Jurists (AJP) and the Montreal SPCA are announcing the publication of AJP’s document which provides a critical analysis of traditional animal control by-laws and the publication of Montreal SPCA’s model animal by-law. The AJP and Montreal SPCA consider that the current legislation contains a number of problematic elements.
The AJP points out that animal welfare provisions are often left out of animal related municipal by-law laws, but that they shouldn’t be. “General provisions that ensure the welfare of animals should be an integral part of all animal related municipal by-laws, in particular taking into consideration the scientifically recognized principle of animal sentience” says Me Marie-Claude St-Amant, who is responsible for the animal law committee at the AJP. “We drafted this text in order to explain, from a legal perspective, the issues inherent in most municipal by-laws that deal with animal control” she adds.
In addition, the Montreal SPCA considers animal related municipal by-laws to be an integral part of a comprehensive solution to ensure the safety and welfare of animals and citizens. “Municipal by-laws should facilitate the reduction of companion animal overpopulation, ensure for responsible animal ownership and regulate the general way in which citizens and animals interact in the community” says Alanna Devine, jurist and Director of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA. “We drafted this model by-law in order to provide Municipalities with an example of what they should be adopting in their communities. We are really pleased to have the support of the AJP for this important initiative” adds Devine.
To consult the AJP’s text in its entirety, please visit the AJP’s website by clicking here (available in French only).
To consult the Montreal SPCA’s model animal by-law please click here (available in French only).
About the Association des juristes progressistes
AJP is an association of lawyers, law students and workers dedicated to defending rights and determined to bring legal services to the struggle for social justice and to bring an end to inequality.
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first humane society in Canada and our mission is to:
- protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
- represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
- raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.
For many years, the Montreal SPCA has been working hard with the three levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal) to improve laws on animal protection.
For more information about the Montreal SPCA, please visit our website at www.spca.com.
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Media contacts:
- Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com.
- Me Marie-Claude St-Amant, AJP, 514-793-9448, or info@ajpquebec.org
