Strengthening Criminal Code Provisions to Prevent Animal Cruelty

PETITION to the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled   Whereas Current laws are inadequate to prevent animal cruelty, and Whereas Criminal Code provisions on animal cruelty have changed little since 1892, and Whereas Various Private Members Bills have been considered by the House of Commons to strengthen the Criminal Code Provisions, but none have received royal assent, therefore WE THE UNDERSIGNED call on the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, to present legislation on behalf of the Government of Canada to increase penalties for animal cruelty under a new section of the criminal code, extending protection to all vertebrate animals, and limiting the slaughter of stray and wild animals without a lawful intent.   As you may know, Buddy the dog was shot and killed this week in Sudbury, ON. An unthinkable, tragic event at the hands of a very sick individual. A wonderful woman and her daughter found him, almost lifeless, on the side of the road in St. Charles, ON. He was brought to the Walden Animal Hospital where he was expected to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, he died this afternoon from "complications with his heart". I believe he died of a broken heart..... because humanity let him down. BUT, we can make it RIGHT. Let's fight for justice for Buddy. If this was our childrens story, we wouldn't think twice. But it isn't. It's Buddy's story and someone needs to fight for him. Let's remove violence against animals from this community once and for all! Only WE can make the change I also encourage you to donate to your local animal shelters in Buddy's name. Donations are one thing... WE NEED stronger sentencing for criminals who commit these crimes! Make your voices heard! THIS is the right thing to do. Our children need to learn and grow within this community. Only we can help make it right. Please use this event as a platform to share ideas on how to raise awareness on animal cruelty, in the name of all of our beloved pets and animals, who do not have a voice. The Ontario SPCA has concerns that Bill 37 does not take into consideration what is best for the animals across Ontario. In 2009 the Ontario SPCA Act was amended placing Ontario the front runner for Animal Welfare legislation across Canada. Private Member's Bill 37 would cause Ontario to hold the worst Animal Welfare legislation in Canada. "Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages". ~Thomas A. Edison RIP Buddy. You are safe now.