Three years ago the battle to have animal protection legislated in the Northwest Territories began. This battle is not yet over. As you will see in the last CJCD link, the new Act has passed, and the initial “deadly loophole” was replaced by crafty rewording, and despite desperate attempts that were made to have this reworded loophole totally removed from the new Act, those Committee Members that opposed the loophole, as well as the hundreds of private individuals across Canada, those who spoke against it during Public Hearings and those of the International Community who spoke against the clause, were ignored. The GNWT Cabinet, who for the most part do not vote, vetoed the motion to delete this clause.
While the new Act does provide for much needed improvement, the fact that there remains wiggle room for offenders of animal cruelty to be considered an “exception” dependent upon how and why an animal is in duress or crisis, is a disgrace.
As of this date, it is unknown on what exact date this new Act will take effect.
One good note: the motion to begin work on a Comprehensive Animal Protection Act during this session, carried through which means it will be continue to be worked on with the next Territorial Government. Elections should be held this Fall.
An additional post on this topic will be made shortly.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY AMENDED DOG ACT
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
NWT animal cruelty legislation worst in Canada
June 11, 2010
GNWT sluggish on revising Dog Act – animal rights activist
October 26, 2010
http://www.mix100.ca/news_and_sports/news/Local/10/11/1/GNWT-to-revise-animal-cruelty-laws
GNWT to revise animal cruelty laws
November 1, 2010
http://www.mix100.ca/news_and_sports/news/Local/10/11/2/GNWT-amends-animal-protection-laws
GNWT amends animal protection laws
November 2, 2010
MLA expects lots of debate at Dog Act hearings
January 7, 2011
http://www.mix100.ca/news_and_sports/news/Local/11/01/14/Hearings-begin-into-NWT-Dog-Act
Hearings begin into NWT Dog Act
January 14, 2011
http://www.mix100.ca/news_and_sports/news/Local/11/01/20/Over-a-dozen-attend-Hub-hearing-on-Dog-Act
Over a dozen attend Hub hearing on Dog Act
January 20, 2011
MLAs to look over NWT Dog Act again this week
February 22, 2011
Animal rights activist not impressed by Dog Act change
February 25, 2011
Controversial clause in NWT Dog Act replaced
February 24, 2011
Controversial Dog Act passes in NWT Legislature
March 5, 2011
http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/_live/documents/content/11-02-28Bill16.pdf
http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/_live/documents/content/hn110303.pdf
MARCH 3 2011 HANSARD DOG ACT PAGES 53 TO 67
