Yukon proposes tougher animal protection laws

The Yukon government wants to expand its animal protection laws and stiffen penalties for anyone convicted of animal abuse.

The proposed amendments to the Animal Protection Act, announced Monday, would also boost powers for officers who are investigating complaints.

The changes would permit animal protection officers to obtain warrants by telephone, allowing those in rural areas to act more quickly. Currently, animal protection officers who need to get a warrant have to do so in person.

RCMP would also be allowed to enter homes without a warrant if they suspect an urgent case of animal abuse is taking place.

Pet owners could be ordered to provide the basic necessities for any mistreated pets, under the proposed changes.

As well, penalties would go up, with maximum fines of $10,000 and jail terms of up to two years. The current maximum penalties for violations of the act are a $500 fine and a six-month jail term.

The government is considering to outlaw the carrying of dogs loose in the back of open pickup trucks.

As well, any road collision that kills or injures an animal would have to be reported to local authorities. Such collisions would include bicycles as well as motor vehicles.

In a release, Community Services Minister Glenn Hart said government officials will hold community meetings across the territory this month and next. The first meeting will be held next week in the Mount Lorne and Ibex Valley areas.

Members of the public can also submit comments online, via the Community Services Department's website. Deadline for submissions is May 23.

The Yukon's animal protection laws were brought into question in 2006, after a Dawson City man shot and killed all 56 of the dogs on his property.

RCMP did not lay any charges against the man. At the time, a police spokesman said the territory's animal laws would make it difficult for police to charge and obtain a conviction of the man.