REGINA (Staff) – Saskatchewan farmers who have farm animals killed in dog attacks will now find it easier to get compensation.
The provincial government recently proclaimed the Animal Protection Amendment Act, which was passed in last spring’s sitting of the legislature.
The act simplifies the process for a livestock producer to get compensation from the owner of a dog that has damaged or killed a protected animal, said Saskatchewan agriculture minister Darrel Cunningham.
All farm animals are protected under the amended act. Previously, only cattle, horses, pigs and poultry were covered. Sheep and specialized livestock are now included, as is any animal raised in captivity for the purpose of producing animal products.
Penalties have also been increased. The fine for failure to carry out an order to destroy a dog has risen from $20 to $100, while ticket fines not requiring a court appearance have risen from a minimum of $25 to $100 and a maximum of $500 to $1,000.
