While the provincial government works on a new animal welfare system, the Sarnia District SPCA will be enforcing animal cruelty laws in the area.
Starting June 28, the Ontario SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was no longer enforcing the cruelty provisions in provincial legislation. The decision to end the service it provided for 100 years came after an Ontario court ruled in early this year that the province erred by giving the animal welfare agency policing powers without imposing accountability and transparency standards.
Earlier this week, the government announced that, while a new animal welfare act is developed, willing humane societies and their protection officers will be allowed to enforce the law.
“We are very pleased with the government's efforts to ensure that an effective transition plan is in place for the remainder of the year to protect Ontario's animals as the province works towards a new, permanent enforcement model," said Sarnia SPCA Chair, Miro Soucek.
The organization will be providing animal protection, enforcement and investigation services to Chatham-Kent, Lambton and Huron County. In addition, officers will continue to educate owners about standards of care, link vulnerable animals and their pet families to wellness clinics and affordable veterinary care and resolve hoarding situations.
Anyone who observes an animal at risk is encouraged to call the government's newly announced toll-free number at 1-833-9ANIMAL.