I have received a response from the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, regarding the online sale of companion animals. I had hoped the Canadian government would take inspiration from the UK's 'Petfished' campaign, which educates the public to recognize warning signs such as sellers pressuring for quick sales, separating litters too early, or offering kittens and puppies without their mothers present. Below is their official response.
"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)’s role is regulating the importation of animals into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. While provinces and territories are responsible for the protection and humane treatment of animals once imported, including the regulation of certain animal diseases and animal welfare. Given the CFIA’s specific role related to the importation of animals, their position if that an awareness campaign related to responsible adoption would likely be better placed with the provinces and territories or organizations such as the Humane Society International, Humane Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, and/or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Nevertheless, on the CFIA website, you can find a webpage titled Ask questions before you buy or adopt a dog. This webpage encourages people to ask questions about the provenance of the pet they are seeking to adopt (e.g., Can they provide the dog's vaccination records and other veterinary medical history?), red flags to look out for (e.g., They offer to meet you someplace neutral or ship the dog instead of letting you pick up and see the premises), outlines the roles and responsibilities of the various levels of government, and provides a number of tips, tools and resources."
I am sharing this information with Humane Society International, Humane Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and I look forward to their responses.
I am still awaiting a response from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regarding their position on advocating for more provincial authorities to require government-issued permits for breeders. I am also keen to learn whether Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada plans to encourage provinces to implement minimum standards for classified websites to comply with.
Let's regulate the sale of companion animals in Canada! Share this petition!
Barbara
Read also:
Calling on our federal government to take action!
12 Alarming Reasons Our Government Should Do More for Animals and the People Who Love Them