"In public consultation, British Columbians told us they wanted animals in our province to be safeguarded by a level of punishment that would deter individuals from committing acts of cruelty," said McRae. "I'm proud to say animals in B.C. are now protected by the toughest animal cruelty penalties in all of Canada."

The legislation will also make it a provincial offence to harm or attempt to harm a law enforcement animal. Currently, police in British Columbia use both horses and dogs to assist in law enforcement purposes, such as crowd control, offender apprehension, search and rescue and drug/explosive detection.

"This is an important piece of legislation for law enforcement and all British Columbians. Up until now, law enforcement animals have often been taken for granted. These animals are out working to protect British Columbians day and night," said Cst. Jason Whittaker, Canine Unit -Saanich Police Department. "I applaud the government`s stance to make B.C. the province with the toughest animal cruelty penalties in Canada. Enacting this law finally protects the animals that protect us."

The following amendments received Royal Assent today and apply to all animals in British Columbia:

• Increased penalties for animal cruelty to fines up to $75,000 and jail terms of up to two years.
• Extension limitation period for offences under the act from six months to three years.
• Greater accountability for owners, companies and others responsible for animals to protect their animals from distress.
• New ability for government to set standards pertaining to the use, care and protection of animals - including sled dogs.

The amendments to the act are a result of recommendations made by the provincially led Sled Dog Task Force in April 2011.

To view the Sled Dog Task Force Report visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/agri/taskforce.html

Contact:

Niki Pandachuck
Media Relations
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693