New animal protection laws welcomed by vets
Changes to the provincial Animal Protection Act are being welcomed by veterinarians as well as the Saskatchewan’s horse federation.
The Animal Protection Act 2017, includes several updates, most notably a requirement for veterinarians to report cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect to the authorities. According to the Ministry of Agriculture the updated act also broadens the definition of animal distress, which allows animal protection officers to issue corrective orders and intervene. Animal protection officers will also be allowed to inspect boarding kennels and other sites where animals are cared for under the new laws.
Dr. Anne Allen, a practicing veterinarian with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, said she was delighted to read about the updates to the act.
The most significant change for vets is the obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect, Allen said. While many veterinarians already consider reporting to be a moral obligation, she said the updated act will make the practice mandatory under law.