Saskatchewan is toughening its laws against animal abuse.
Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud introduced legislation Nov. 8 to increase the fines and imprisonment periods for offenders under the Animal Protection Act.
Amendments to the act would increase the maximum fine to $25,000 from $5,000 for each offence. Jail time could rise to a maximum of two years from six months.
Frances Wach, executive director of the Saskatchewan SPCA, said the amendments would allow charges to be laid against anyone who abuses an animal.
“It just signals that abuse and neglect is unacceptable and also reflects the public’s concern for the health and well-being of animals.”
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Bjornerud said the issue of animal welfare is “near and dear to my heart” and when someone is charged, it gives all producers a black eye.
He noted that in 2009, seven cases involving farm animals were prosecuted. There was one case this year.
“It was just getting to the point where I felt we had to highlight the situation and increase the penalties,” he said.
The minister said he hoped the penalties would deter people and encourage them to seek help if they find they can’t feed or shelter their animals.
Tim Wiens, chair of the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan, said producers often get overwhelmed.
“In the past, maybe a producer thought he could work his way out of it and just keep on going and hopefully he could scrape by,” Wiens said.
“But now, with the increased penalties in place, it will probably give him a little bit more pause for thought and then before he gets too far into the soup, he can ask for help a little bit sooner.”
Bjornerud also announced an additional $390,000 for the SSPCA.
Wach said the organization will use the money to hire full-time animal protection officers.
Two years ago, the SSPCA was operating with five casual animal protection officers. Last year, it phased in two term positions, which can now be made permanent.
Three officers will be based in Saskatoon and two will be in Regina. There will also be several casual officers.
Up to 35 percent of the cases investigated are unfounded, Wach said. Another 60 percent or more involve working with people to correct situations.
“In more severe cases, which would be one to three percent, that will result in seizure and/or charges,” she said.
Charges can be laid under the Animal Protection Act, the Criminal Code of Canada or both.
NDP opposition leader and agriculture critic Dwain Lingenfelter said he would check with some producer groups but doubted there would be much opposition to the changes.
