October 28, 2010

Canada toughens penalties for livestock transport violators

Canada is cracking down on those who mistreat and improperly transport livestock by more than doubling current fines - the first increase in over 10 years.
 

Effective immediately, administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) of up to CAD10,000 (US$9,730) can be imposed, more than doubling the previous maximum penalty of CAD4,000 (US$390), on those who violate the Health of Animals Act.

"The agriculture industry knows that a healthy farm and processing business begins with healthy animals and while the majority handles and transports animals safely, a few need to do better," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

The government is providing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) with the tools to impose tougher fines and improve animal welfare, he added.

The CFIA will retain the ability to increase fines by up to 50% of the maximum fine of CAD10,000 for repeat offenders. The agency will now also have the ability to look back into the past five years, instead of three years, of the offender's history.

The AMPs system was developed as an efficient, effective enforcement tool. AMPs may be issued for violations of the Health of Animals Act, which includes requirements for animal welfare during transport. These increases will also be applied to the Plant Protection Act to deal with violations such as the importation of prohibited plants.

In addition to these improved AMPs, the CFIA continues to work with animal welfare experts and industry leaders to update the Health of Animals Regulations governing livestock transportation to reflect the latest science and industry practices.