Animal Rights and Cruelty

#10 Senate passes bill that would ban whale and dolphin captivity in Canada

Bill S-203 was first introduced by Liberal senator Wilfred Moore with the backing of the Green Party in 2015. S-203 would make captivity and breeding of cetaceans a criminal offence in Canada. Fines of up to $200,000 could be imposed on parks flouting the law. The fight for cetacean rights gained much more support after the movie Blackfish came out in 2013. The movie showed the cruelties that animals went through in places like Sea World. Many scientists are complaining that they will no longer be able to research crustaceans or even import their sperm or embryos. In my opinion, I believe the bill should be passed, however due to the fact that it affects the research of scientists, the bill should allow the holding of a cetacean for a maximum of 2 days. This does not apply to any facility holding cetaceans for public enjoyment. There should be a complete ban for pointless parks such as Sea World.

#11 Alberta RCMP investigate ‘disturbing’ video of coyote slowly beaten to death

The RCMP in Grande Prairie, Alta are currently investigating after a video of two boys brutally beating a coyote to death surfaced the internet. In the 53 second video two boys are shown grabbing a wild coyote and beating it then chasing it down and stuffing it into the back of a snowmobile. The individuals are believed to have been identified by Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials and have not yet been charged. In my opinion, I believe these boys should both be charged with animal cruelty and be assigned community service. Sections 444 to 447 of Canada’s Criminal Code constitute Canada’s primary federal animal protection legislation. The Code prohibits causing “unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird” and “causing damage or injury by willful neglect”.

#18 2-year-old boy attacked by cougar at Cascade Falls Regional Park near Mission, B.C.

Cascade Falls Regional Park is closed after a two-year-old boy was attacked by a cougar on Monday afternoon. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the young boy was injured while an adult was taking some young children for a walk along the trail near Mission, B.C., around 4 p.m. The boy suffered minor injuries, including scratches to his back and a puncture wound to his arm. Sgt. Todd Hunter with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the park will remain closed as conservation officers monitor the area and “come up with a long-term solution”. In my opinion, I believe people should wander forests at their own risk, we cannot just eliminate animals or move them out of their home just because someone got attacked. It is simply cruel. Also, this case should be looked into more because of the 2 year old getting attacked. If the boy was with an adult how did he get attacked and not protected. All in all, the wilderness can be a dangerous place and people should understand the risks of entering it.

What I learned:

Canada is a country full of wildlife that is mostly treated well. However, through research online, I found that there are many issues revolving around animal rights and cruelty. First of all, there are many national parks located in Canada and living within these parks lies some dangerous animals. Many people wander into forests without knowing the risks of animal attack and because of this, animals are shot in their own environment. I also read an article in which two boys brutally beat a wild coyote and are now facing charges. Sections 444 to 447 of Canada’s Criminal Code constitute Canada’s primary federal animal protection legislation. The Code prohibits causing “unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird” and “causing damage or injury by willful neglect”. Previously in Canada, dolphin and whale captivity for parks and science was allowed, but now bill  S-203 would make captivity and breeding of cetaceans a criminal offence in Canada. All in all, from what I found, I believe animal rights in Canada are drastically improving.