New Animal Welfare Act left behind as Legislature closes

The president of the P.E.I. Humane Society is disappointed that a new law to protect animals was left on the floor after the fall sitting of the P.E.I. legislature.

The new Animal Welfare Act is one of 17 pieces of legislation government introduced but didn't pass.

The 30-page bill includes changes such as giving animal protection officers more powers to conduct searches and investigate possible cases of animal cruelty, and the ability to revoke or deny a licence to sell companion animals.

PE.I. Humane Society president Wendy MacIntyre said her group has been collaborating with government on the bill since 2009.

“We've really been looking forward to this legislation,” said MacIntyre.

“Having it get to this stage and then have a setback, of course, is disappointing. We do hope though as soon as it can be put back that it will be put through fairly quickly, so that we can do our job as best we can.”

The bill, she said, was prompted by the case of Bud Wheatley, the owner of an online pet shop from whom more than 90 animals were seized, and who was sentenced to five months in jail for animal cruelty.

Government could resume work on the bill if it sits in the spring without proroguing in the meantime. However if there's a prorogation or if the House is dissolved for an election, the bill would have to be re-introduced.