Canada's laws on

Animal Protection

This site compiles key information about animal protection, including about reporting suspected cruelty, investigations, legal resources, and supports for improving human and animal wellbeing in Canada.

Information by province

This site compiles key information about animal protection in Canada.

The vast majority of Canadians believe that animals should be able to live without pain and suffering. The Criminal Code of Canada contains animal cruelty provisions.  Most provinces and territories have laws that:

A) legally define cruelty as well as acceptable and illegal actions

B) provide some animals with certain protections from abuse and neglect, along with basic standards of care which must be provided.

Provincial animal protection laws also provide the guidelines for how investigations into suspected cruelty must take place. Who is responsible for investigations varies depending on the place and animals in question. This site seeks to compile and clarify significant details about these legal protections and investigations.

Animal protection ideally involves a broader set of tools and approaches.

Alt text: A design with five multi-colour squares describe the different tools and approaches in animal protection. The top left black square has the title “Front-line investigations work” and says: Investigating complaints through verbal and visual interactions with animals, people, and properties. Education, corrective actions recommended or legally ordered, laying of charges when warranted, animals removed if deemed necessary and authorized, could include the issue of tickets. Communication with Crown Attorneys and Justices of the Peace regarding search warrants and charges. Identification of resources, services, or other means of solving the problem or preventing future issues. The top right beige square has the title “Legal proceedings (the judicial system)” and says: Issuing of search and seizure warrants. Assessment of cases. Determining charges, plea deals, and/or pursuit of courtroom trials. Trials including sentencing. The middle right light grey square has the title “Veterinary forensics” and says: Application of forensic science methods and techniques to living animals or animal remains and the environment. Preparation of legal documents and reports, and delivering of testimony. The bottom left dark grey square has the title “Animal care” and reads: Transportation of animals. Sheltering, stabling, and otherwise appropriately housing animals surrendered or that have been seized. Daily food, water, exercise, and affection. Veterinary care and treatment. The bottom right red square has the title “Human-Animal Wellbeing” and says: Identifying challenges and barriers including poverty, health or mental health issues, housing, mobility.
A design with five squares stacked on top of each other. The top square is black with the title “Front-line investigations work" and says: Investigating complaints through verbal and visual interactions with animals, people, and properties. Education, corrective actions recommended or legally ordered, laying of charges when warranted, animals removed if deemed necessary and authorized, could include the issue of tickets. Communication with Crown Attorneys and Justices of the Peace regarding search warrants and charges. Identification of resources, services, or other means of solving the problem or preventing future issues. The next square is in dark grey and has the title “Animal care” and reads: Transportation of animals. Sheltering, stabling, and otherwise appropriately housing animals surrendered or that have been seized. Daily food, water, exercise, and affection. Veterinary care and treatment.
The third square is beige and has the title “Legal proceedings (the judicial system)” and says: Issuing of search and seizure warrants. Assessment of cases. Determining charges, plea deals, and/or pursuit of courtroom trials. Trials including sentencing. The fourth square is light grey and has the title “Veterinary forensics” and says: Application of forensic science methods and techniques to living animals or animal remains and the environment. Preparation of legal documents and reports, and delivering of testimony. The fifth and last square is red and has the title “Human-Animal Wellbeing” and says: Identifying challenges and barriers including poverty, health or mental health issues, housing, mobility.