Visit the links on this page to get the facts about legislation in place to prevent animal cruelty and to promote the humane treatment of animals.

Criminal Code of Canada - Cruelty to Animals
In Part XI of the Criminal Code, Wilful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property, Section 446-1 states that it is a federal offence to "wilfully cause or permit to be caused, being the owner, unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or by wilful neglect, cause damage or injury to animals while they are being driven or conveyed." In Ontario, Inspectors and Agents of the Ontario SPCA can and do lay charges under the Criminal Code in cases of severe cruelty or neglect.

Ontario SPCA Act
In Ontario, animal cruelty investigations by the Ontario SPCA are governed by provincial legislation called the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or Ontario SPCA Act. Inspectors and agents appointed under the Act have the authority of police officers when enforcing laws pertaining to the welfare of animals. The Ontario SPCA operates on a complaint basis and may be reached at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722).

Dog Owners' Liability Act
An Act designating dog owners (or the parents/guardians of owners who are minors) responsibility for bites or attacks by their dog on a person or other domestic animal. An exclusion may be made if the bite or attack occurred on a person in the process of committing a criminal act or in the destruction of the owner's property. The Act covers all breeds of dogs but has specific regulations for pit bull owners including a mandatory requirement for all dogs to be muzzled and leashed off the owner's property. In case of a dog bite or attack, the Ontario Court of Justice may order one of the following: destruction of the dog; measures for more effective control; confinement; leash; muzzle and prohibition of the individual from dog ownership for a specified period of time. The Dog Owners' Liability Act is enforced by local municipalities and police forces.

Animal Bylaws
To learn more about animal bylaws within Huron County please contact your local municipality.

License your pet!
If you live in Huron County, visit your local municipal office to inquire about purchasing a license for your dog. Shelters across Ontario receive thousands of stray animals each year, and many do not have identification. Identification (including microchipping) is the best way to ensure that your lost pet can be reunited with your family!

To learn about additional animal cruelty laws Ontario SPCA investigators use in their efforts to protect animals from abuse, abandonment and neglect, click here.