Justice for Animals in Service Bill Passed

Photo Source: CTV

And now for a bit of good news. The government has passed the Justice for Animals in Service Act (Quanto's Law) - Bill C-35.  Quanto’s Law has received Royal Assent. The new law makes it a specific offence to kill or injure a law enforcement, military or service animal, such as a seeing-eye dog. Maximum penalty for the offence would be 5 years in prison on indictment and 18 months and/or a fine of up to $10,000 on summary conviction. If a law enforcement animal is killed in the line of duty and the offence is prosecuted by indictment there is a mandatory minimum 6 month incarceration. 

Alterations to Canadian laws protecting animals have been extremely slow to change which is why this event is so very important. By passing this law, and with the announcement by Veterans Affairs on June 1st to establish national standards for service dogs, the government is showing they are more aware of the integral role animals play in the lives of Canadians. We are very pleased that the contributions of service animals are being recognized and wanted to share the good news.