Animal Protection Bill C-246

Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Vancouver Animal Law Lawyer Rebeka Breder on Bill C-246.

“It has been since at least 1892, well over a hundred years, since we have seen substantive changes to criminal code offences in regards to animal welfare.”

“There's a dire need to improve the welfare and protection of the animals in this country. I don't think there is any debate about that.”

“What I really want to focus on and emphasis is that you asked

"how do we compare to other countries?" What Nathaniel is trying to do here, when you compare us to other countries -

Let's say:

- New Zealand recently recognized animals as sentient

- Switzerland, in its constitution in 1992 recognized animals as a being and not a "thing" in its constitution.

- Germany, I think it was about 10 years after that, recognized animals as having rights in their constitution."

"So when you compare us ( Canada ) to other countries like that we are pretty far behind.”

Listen here...