Provincial

The new Quebec animal protection legislation for dogs and cats (Animal Health Protection Act, Chapter P-42 Division IV-1-1) states, amongst other things, that "the owner or custodian of an animal shall ensure the safety and welfare of the animal is not jeopardized".

The safety and welfare of an animal is jeopardized when the animal:

• does not have access to drinking water or food in quantities and of a quality in keeping with the biological requirements of its species;
• is not kept in suitable, salubrious living conditions;
• is wounded or sick and does not receive the health care required by its state;
• is subject to abuse or ill-treatment that may affect its health;
• is kept or transported in contravention of the regulatory standards established pursuant to section 55.9.14.1;

It also states that every owner or custodian of animals kept for the purpose of sale or breeding shall ensure that the premises in which the animals are kept are clean. The complete Quebec Animal Health Protection Act can be found at: www.canlii.org/qc/sta/20030911/r.s.q.p-42/whole.htm

ANIMA Quebec (l'Association national d'intervention pour le mieux-être des animaux) has been mandated by the Ministry of Agriculture to enforce the new legislation by overseeing all Quebec pet stores, adoption agencies, shelters and breeders to ensure dogs and cats are humanely treated. Inspectors will be specially trained to inspect housing and breeding facilities to ensure they meet the norms and standards set out in their document:

Guide for Generally Recognized Practices (French only)

More information on Anima Quebec…