The PCA Act (prevention of cruelty to animals) in B.C. is currently under review with the Ministry of Agriculture proposing amendments to the Act. Among these proposed amendments is the transfer of judicial power from the Supreme Court to the BC Farm Review Board (BC FIRB). The result of these changes would mean that if an animal has been seized from an abusive and/or severely neglectful situation and placed in a shelter, they could potentially wait six months or more for their case to be resolved. The Supreme Court, on average, resolves cases within 75 days or less while the BC Farm Review Board can take six months or more to conclude the appeal process. More animals in shelters for longer periods of time means less chances for an animal to rehabilitate, less room for other animals who require assistance and increased costs for the organizations who house them.
These proposed amendments are not progressive, and they are of no benefit to the animals whom the laws are supposed to protect. Any changes to the Animal Cruelty Act must be in an effort to reduce the number of animals at risk and make the prosecution and sentencing of convicted abusers more efficient and effective, thus providing a real and present deterrent. "The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated" -Mahatma Gandhi-
Let us show the world that Canada can be both great and progressive by improving the quality of life for all creatures in our care.