Alberta is moving to strengthen its animal protection laws for the first time in over 20 years, with proposed changes that would significantly increase penalties and expand enforcement powers.
The amendments to the Animal Protection Act would raise maximum fines from $20,000 to $250,000 and introduce potential jail sentences of up to 12 months. The province says the changes are aimed at cracking down on repeat offenders and positioning Alberta as a leader in animal welfare enforcement.
RJ Sigurdson says the updates reflect the province’s responsibility to protect animals across both agricultural and urban settings.
He adds the legislation would give peace officers stronger investigative tools, including broader authority to inspect facilities such as grooming and boarding businesses. The definition of animal distress would also be expanded beyond basic needs like food and shelter, allowing earlier intervention in harmful situations.
The Alberta SPCA is welcoming the changes. Executive Director Leanne Niblock says stronger laws are critical, noting officers often encounter cases where current legislation falls short.
The province says consultations held last spring included municipalities, veterinarians, livestock groups, and First Nations. Officials also point to a large animal surrender case in Valleyview last October as a key factor driving reform.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
