QUÉBEC CITY CNW Telbec/ - Pierre Paradis, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, draws attention to another step towards better animal protection with the National Assembly's passage in principle yesterday of Bill 54 – An Act to improve the legal situation of animals. It bears mentioning that the passage in principle was unanimous and occurred in a non-partisan atmosphere. There is consensus in Québec as to the need to tighten animal welfare legislation. This important step is further to tabling of the Bill last June 5 and to the special consultations and public hearings held by the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Energy and Natural Resources (CAPERN) between September 14 and October 6.
"There is no doubt that in 2015, animals are not property but, instead, sentient beings with biological needs. Québec can and must do better in matters of animal welfare. We have the duty to speak for animals, which can only express themselves through our voice," Minister Paradis said.
The purpose of Bill 54 is to curb unacceptable behaviour by amending the Civil Code of Québec so that animals are no longer legally considered property but, instead, sentient beings with biological needs. As for unacceptable behaviour, Québec will have a specific animal welfare and safety law inspired by laws in force in the three top-ranked Animal Legal Defense Fund provinces in Canada, namely, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.
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