Some positive news for a change, regarding the status on the protection of animals within the NWT.
An excerpt from a recent correspondence received in July from the Justice Minister, Hon. Jackson Lafferty confirms that: “the Department of Justice is working with other Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) departments towards the goal of introducing new animal protection legislation. The government has committed to bringing forward this legislation during the life of the 16th Assembly. “
As cited in the correspondence received from Mr. Lafferty, a number of issues are being examined, “including the legislative model to adopt”, as well as just how much consultation in the area is required, and which department will be responsible for this new piece of legislation. I had submitted Provincial Animal Protection Acts from across Canada to the GNWT as template examples many months ago. Mr. Lafferty continued to state that the legilsation is “appropriately balanced”, thereby protecting animals from individuals who would cause intentional harm to them while still allowing animals to be used for food and not to intefere with hunting and fishing practices. Quite understandable.
The recently received correspondence from the Minister of MACA, Hon. R. McLeod cited that: MACA is currently “moving forward with planned amendments to the Dog Act” which thus far are “limited to protecting only dogs” thereby addressing “immediate concerns regarding the protection of dogs, until more comphrehensive animal protection legislation is implemented.”
This is definitely a pro-active step in the right direction and I must commend the GNWT for looking at the big picture.
Referencing Mr. McLeod’s correspondence, consultation with the GNWT staff and interdepartmental/inter-government counterparts will be part of this overall process and I have been given assurance that MACA officials are currently doing just that.
The initial Petitions and Letters aimed towards the goal of Animal Protection legislation here in the NWT, I began over eighteen months ago. It has been a time consuming and often heart-breaking journey towards this end.
There is a light at the end of that Tunnel and thus far it appears to be shining brighter.
Please continue to support the progress being made by the GNWT towards this goal as well as those who continue to speak for the animals.
A very special Thank You goes to the Animal Defense League of Canada who have been of enormous support and encouragement to me from the very beginning. Special Thanks to all of those others from across Canada and globally who have spoken out in support of this new legislation and in support of my continued work.
To reference the Discussion Paper on Amendments to the Dog Act, please view a prior post in the Archives.
