Ontario's solicitor-general has announced how the province will enforce animal abuse laws and investigations, after the provincial agency previously in charge said it would no longer do the work earlier this summer.
Sylvia Jones tabled the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act Tuesday, after the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced in June it would stop investigating and enforcing animal cruelty laws.
"The new system will be more consistent province-wide, will it be more costly for the solicitor-general and the province? Yes, but I believe at the end of the day, we are going to have a stronger model," she said, when asked about how much the new system will cost.
Jones said it's difficult to put a figure on the funding because various enforcement agencies are also involved.
"They are provincial resources and we will make the necessary funding and ensure the model works province-wide," she said. "It is my hope that we will start to formalize the new model January 1st."
That date is when the new system will come into effect.
Among the new measures is the hiring of 100 provincial inspectors, stiffer fines and penalties for crimes ranging from dog-fighting to filing a false report and firefighters, as well as EMS officials, will be allowed to break a car window if an animal is locked inside.
Inspectors will also be posted at places like zoos and aquariums.
Jones said Crown prosecutors will also be given more training on handling animal abuse cases.
"When charges are laid, hopefully we will have a better conviction rate," she said. "There is an inconsistency in how the investigations are occurring and that has led in certain situations, where charges are thrown out or the conviction rate is not as successful as we would like it to be."
The OSPCA cited a court ruling that found its powers were unconstitutional in informing the government it would no longer be enforcing the laws, after previous complaints of overall inadequate funding.
"I was willing to work with the OSPCA to move forward with system, they chose a different path and we're here today," Jones said.
Ottawa Humane Society President Bruce Roney approved of the measures.
"What we have heard so far, has been very positive. If it passes, this legislation will be a big step forward for animals in Ontario,” Roney said.
"A lot of how this legislation will work is in the regulations, which are not yet written. We also want to see whether enough resources will be devoted to enforcement. If the work isn’t funded, then the best of legislation won’t protect animals," he said. “We will be watching and working with government to ensure that no animal falls between the cracks.”