New Democrat bill would help protect animals in distress
New Democrat MLA, Selina Robinson, introduced a bill that would help prevent animals from suffering or dying in vehicles during the heat of summer.
“We cannot have another summer with animals dying while left alone in hot vehicles, it is time to act,” said Robinson. “The Christy Clark government said that they would possibly make changes this spring, but that has not happened, and that’s why I’m bringing forth this legislation myself. I sincerely hope the Christy Clark government will support this bill.”
Robinson introduced the Distressed Animals Act in the legislature on Tuesday and was joined by advocates from the BC SPCA in support of the proposed changes.
“In 2013, the BC SPCA received 850 calls regarding animals left in hot cars, and in 2014, they received well over 1,000 calls,” said Robinson. “The BC SPCA only has 26 special provincial constables working across B.C. and must liaise with the RCMP and municipal bylaw enforcement to respond to these urgent calls.”
The bill would amend the Community Charter and the Vancouver Charter permitting bylaw enforcement to seize animals in distress where there is inadequate ventilation in a vehicle and it amends the Motor Vehicle Act noting that a person commits an offence if they are transporting an animal without providing for adequate ventilation.
Robinson noted that the act has wide support at the municipal level and called on the Christy Clark government to move forward with it.
“These necessary changes would permit first responders to take immediate action and ensure more awareness and compliance so that our pets in British Columbia can be protected from the horrible death that can result from being left in a hot, unventilated vehicle,” said Robinson.
Here is a link to the Distressed Animals Act – 2016
Resources
- VIDEO: Two people demonstrate interior car heat so that your dogs won’t have to
- Heat wave management tips
- Don’t bring your dog to town son, leave your dog at home
- The heat is back: Don’t take your dogs to town son, leave your dogs at home Bill
- New Democrat bill would help protect animals in distress
- Speaking of dumping, the District of Sooke issues this gentle reminder to dog owners…
- Hot cars and hot dogs are a dangerous mix
- Your beloved pet left in a hot vehicle could be dead in 10 minutes
Yes, we do need a law, WITH a hefty fine and chances of losing their pet.! Better yet, may they also have to sit in that same hot car, for the same amount of time that they subjected that poor dog to, with NO water or ventilation..!!There are a lot of STUPID people out there..!! It’s on the radio, TV news and talked about by people every single year. But the “stupids” still come out in droves..!!
This is a law that is a long time coming..should have been a law decades ago..!! Get off your ass Clark, and GET IT DONE…NOW..!!