Review of Provincial Animal Protection Act
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive review and update of Alberta's Animal Protection Act.
WHEREAS Alberta's Animal Protection Act (APA) is a crucial legislative framework designed to safeguard the welfare of animals within the province;
WHEREAS it is imperative to periodically reassess and update existing legislation to ensure it remains effective and aligned with current standards and Alberta’s APA has not been substantially changed since 2006;
WHEREAS the current version of the legislation does not differentiate between commercial and companion animals;
WHEREAS societal attitudes and norms have changed, new challenges and risks have emerged and best practices for animal protection may be enacted;
WHEREAS municipalities play a pivotal role in enforcing animal welfare laws within our jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS Alberta’s outdated APA lacks clear guidance for when peace officers are empowered to act and what enforcement mechanisms are available such as cases where companion animals are in the care of an animal shelter, rescue, or humane society.
The landscape of animal welfare is dynamic, with new challenges and risks constantly emerging. Public attitudes towards animals and their treatment have undergone significant transformation in recent decades, with an increasing emphasis on compassion, empathy, and ethical stewardship.
Under the current Animal Protection Act (APA) there is no differentiation between commercial and companion animals. This distinction is necessary to provide appropriate guidelines for care and welfare enforcement. Commercial animals can include horses, cattle, sheep, swine and live poultry but usually, they are animals raised for meat production or other products from the animals. A companion animal could be anything that is not a commercial animal, but most commonly include dogs and cats.[1] While a review of the APA may include changes that impact commercial animals, this resolution allows for better protection of companion animals.
In 2006, a major revision to the APA was enacted, only the second update since its inception in 1967. A comprehensive review of the APA is now needed to identify and rectify deficiencies in the legislation, ensuring that it provides clear guidance and consistent enforcement mechanisms across municipalities in dealing with companion animals.
Modernizing legislation and regulation around kennels and rescues is critical to ensuring the welfare and safety of animals in these facilities. With the growing prevalence of companion animals and the increasing demand for adoption and boarding services, outdated regulations fail to address emerging challenges and protect vulnerable animals. Clear and comprehensive regulations can establish standards for housing, care, and hygiene, ensuring that companion animals are provided with adequate nutrition, medical attention, and living conditions. Additionally, updated regulations can mandate regular inspections, licensing requirements, and transparency measures, enabling authorities to monitor compliance and intervene promptly in cases of neglect or abuse.
In addition, over the past decade Alberta has witnessed a significant shift in online animal sales. The increase of online marketplaces, social media platforms and unregulated transactions has transformed the way companion animals are bought, sold, and traded, presenting both opportunities and risks for animal welfare and regulation. While reputable breeders and licensed sellers may utilize online channels to connect with potential buyers, there has also been a surge in informal or backyard breeding operations advertising animals for sale online. These sellers may operate without proper licensing, veterinary oversight, or adherence to animal welfare standards, raising concerns about the welfare and health of the animals involved.
Additionally, the anonymity and convenience of online platforms have created challenges for enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring and regulating animal sales. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores or breeding facilities, online sellers can easily avoid scrutiny and oversight, making it difficult to ensure compliance with existing regulations. This lack of transparency and accountability poses risks not only to animal welfare but also to consumer protection, as buyers may unknowingly purchase animals from disreputable sources.
Municipalities play a pivotal role in enforcing animal welfare laws within our jurisdiction. By revisiting the APA, the province can streamline enforcement procedures, provide additional resources, and enhance collaboration between municipalities and provincial authorities, improving compliance with animal welfare standards.
A local business in Airdrie, which was operating as a dog rescue organization, was recently charged under the APA. With complaints dating back to 2016, Airdrie Municipal Enforcement in partnership with the Alberta SPCA seized a large number of dogs in varying states of distress due to the care conditions at the facility. Under the authority of the APA, peace officers are empowered to act when animals are in distress; however, challenges exist as the Act does not provide direction on animal care standards for shelters, rescues, or Humane Societies. Additionally, there are no requirements for registration or oversight of organizations who provide sheltering and care for animals.
In recent years, several Canadian provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, have taken significant steps to strengthen their animal protection legislation, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding animal welfare. Manitoba’s legislation[2] stands out as an example with clear definitions, separation between commercial and companion animals and kennel regulations. The Alberta SPCA and other provincial animal welfare associations agree that the APA is lacking the necessary tools to truly protect animal welfare and could be engaged as stakeholders in the review process.
A comprehensive review of Alberta's APA is essential to ensure that it remains robust, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of companion animals and society. From incorporating scientific advancements to addressing enforcement challenges and fostering stakeholder engagement, such a review holds the potential to enhance animal welfare outcomes across the province.
[1] Province of Manitoba, Animal Care Act. https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/_pdf.php?cap=a84
[2] Province of Manitoba, Animal Care Act. https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/_pdf.php?cap=a84
ABmunis does not currently have a position on this issue. If this resolution is passed, it would be forwarded to the Government of Alberta for response and further advocacy would be recommended to the ABmunis Board by the Safe and Healthy Communities Committee within the context of related priorities and positions.
ABmunis members were unable to vote on this resolution at ABmunis’ 2024 Convention due to insufficient time resulting from the high number and length of debate on other resolutions. Following the Convention, ABmunis consulted members in November 2024 prior to a vote by ABmunis Board of Directors where the resolution was adopted.