We call upon the government of Canada to (1) recognize animals as beings that can feel pain and move animal cruelty crimes from the property section of the Criminal Code; and (2) strengthen the language of federal animal cruelty law in order to close loopholes that allow abusers to escape penalty. 

Media coverage, almost on a daily basis, details horrific cases of animal abuse across the country. The reality is that our existing laws and acts on animal cruelty are outdated and do not provide any substantial level of protection. The punishment for abuse is negligable, and does not deter the abusers from these horrific acts of violence to animals.