Today Minister of Environment Nils Clarke tabled Bill # 20, the new Animal Protection and Control Act in the Legislative Assembly.
The new Act will better enable animal control enforcement by providing tools to respond to high-risk and feral animals, updating animal welfare standards and regulating animal-related businesses.
The new Animal Protection and Control Act addresses longstanding issues that have been raised in rural communities around the protection of animals and human safety. The new Animal Protection and Control Act will modernize the Yukon’s animal protection and control system by strengthening animal enforcement, improving animal welfare standards and putting in regulations for animal-related businesses. Thank you to all Yukoners who provided their feedback during public engagement. I look forward to seeing this Act pass and improve safety for both Yukoners and animals in the territory.
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke
The Animal Protection and Control Act would replace old legislation, including the Dog Act, the Animal Protection Act and the Pounds Act.
The Department of Environment developed the Animal Protection and Control Act jointly with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as it would play a complementary role in the implementation and enforcement of the act.
Feedback gathered during a public engagement in 2018 is reflected in the Bill, including:
- A territory-wide requirement for owners to control their animals at all times;
- Higher standards of care for animals than what previously existed; and
- More effective enforcement tools for local governments in communities.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Chantelle Rivest
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
chantelle.rivest@yukon.ca