By Barbara Cartwright | CEO
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is shocked by the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision on Thursday of last week in which they ruled 6-1 that bestiality is only illegal if it involves acts of penetration. This horrifying loophole will remain open unless Parliament takes action to create a broader definition of bestiality under the Criminal Code of Canada. This is one of the amendments proposed by Bill C-246, the Modernizing Animal Protections Act, which is currently before Parliament. To take action and work to ensure this bill is passed we need your support!
As the leader of Canada’s largest animal welfare community we are best positioned to represent you. CFHS helped draft this bill and we have been meeting with MP’s for months and talking to the Canadian public but our voice now needs to be even louder.
Bill C-246 offers us a timely opportunity to address this egregious loophole in Canadian law. Bestiality used to be a legal grey area, but we’re now facing a serious vulnerability for animals. We’ll likely see an increase in the sexual exploitation of animals as a result of this ruling. Parliament must act to right this wrong now.
The Liberal Government has said it wants to kill Bill C-246 in favour of a larger review of the whole Criminal Code – blatantly ignoring the fact that this Bill emerged out of a Parliamentary review of animal cruelty in Canada and has been debated for almost 20 years. They also say the Bill requires more “public comment” – ignoring the fact that this Bill is the very same Bill that has been before Parliament no less than 13 times in the last 16 years, passed through the House of Commons 3 times and made it to third reading in the Senate. Every time it fell victim to the same animal use industry lobby and delay tactics – stalling until Parliament called an election each time. This Bill has likely had more public comment and debate than any other in Canada’s history.
There is a strong and sustained will on the part of the Canadian people to see that justice be done for animals in this country. If we all work together and raise our voices in support of this bill, the change that animals need will be possible.
Your support can go even further tomorrow June 15th thanks to Global Giving’s Bonus Day. Starting at 9 a.m. EDT until the funds run out your donation will be matched to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies by 40% and we will have two chances to win an extra $1,000.00 if we have the highest number of donors that day or the most funds.
We are only $6,545.00 from our goal which would allow us to focus on working with the public to make these changes happen to Canada’s antiquated animal welfare laws. If we receive just $3,927.00 from our donors the match would help us hit our goal. Can you help us reach our goal? Please donate early!
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By Barbara Cartwright | CEO
By Barbara Cartwright | CEO
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