The province of Ontario has stepped in and introduced temporary amendments to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) during the interim period after the OSPCA recently stopped conducting investigations.
If the legislation passes, the province will be allowed to appoint a Chief Inspector who will be able to appoint other local inspectors to make sure animal protection enforcement remains.
These qualified inspectors can also include OSPCA affiliates.
"Allowing animals to go unprotected is simply unacceptable," said Ontario's solicitor general Sylvia Jones.
"I know the people of Ontario support our government's commitment to develop a better animal protection enforcement system,” said Jones in a press release.
"We're going to deliver on our promise to improve the system," said Jones. "We'll take the time to ensure we reflect the ideas that come forward from people across Ontario. Building the first new enforcement system in 100 years will take time, but we're going to ensure we get it right."
Earlier this year, when OSPCA’s contract with the province was approaching expiration, the OSPCA informed the province that its officers will no longer have the authority to conduct investigations or enforcement after a court case ruled that the OSPCA’s enforcement powers were unconstitutional.
As a result, after April 1, the Guelph Humane Society could not investigate or enforce animal cruelty cases through OSPCA affiliates, which could leave hundreds and thousands of animals vulnerable in a year.
To mitigate the risks, last week, the province allowed local OSPCA associates who expressed a desire to help in the transition period to continue protecting animals in the interim period but Jones said the OSPCA has attempted to block these associates by contravening existing legislation.
“This is extremely disappointing. Frankly, it puts animals in harm's way. That's why our government is taking decisive action to ensure animals remain protected while we design a better system,” said Jones.
A statement released by the province said the amendments are to ensure animals continue to be protected during their transition to an enhanced animal protection enforcement system.
“This is the short term solution that we were absolutely hoping for. It's disappointing that the OSPCA chose not to be a part of the solution and required the government to take the extra step,” said Dr. Thomas Shane Bateman, chair of the Guelph Humane Society Board.
“We’re very pleased that the government has done so and we continue to support these initiatives and to ensure that animals in our community are protected through this interim period.”
