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Ontario|Animals and the LawAnimals and the Law 459 Preventing animal abuse in circuses In Ontario, the Municipal Act allows local municipalities to pass by-laws regarding the prohibition, regulation and licensing of exhibitions, menageries, circus riding, and other similar kinds of shows.
In order to prohibit the keeping of particular species of animals or "exotic" animals within the jurisdiction, an increasing number of municipal jurisdictions across the country, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, have put by-laws in place or are in the process of doing so. There are several reasons why such by-laws are being enacted, for example:
1. Concerns about the cruel ways performing animals are often trained,
2. The stressful and impoverished conditions in which they live, and
3. Concerns about the well being of the general public whose safety is threatened when they are exposed to these wild, dangerous and sometimes sick animals.
If you are concerned about animal abusing circuses coming to your community, the first step you could take is to contact your municipal councillor. Your municipal councillor may be able to advise you as to whether you should contact the municipal clerk or a particular committee responsible for amendments to by-laws. Animal protections groups can also help you collect necessary information.
If your local by-laws do provide for the protection of animals already and you feel that the circus is in violation of the by-laws, you should notify the centre for animal control. If you do not know how to contact them, contact your municipal government office and they will direct you.
If you find that your local by-laws do not contain provisions regarding the prohibition of maintaining certain species of animals or regulations on minimum standards of how animals are to be treated, you could attempt to bring about a change in the local by-laws. Again, your municipal councillor will be able to guide you on how to begin the process.
In some cases, the poor treatment of circus animals may constitute a criminal offence. If the situation is dire enough, you could call the Humane Society or the police and have those responsible charged criminally. The Criminal Code of Canada has several sections dealing with Cruelty to Animals. The Criminal Code gives the police and the Humane Society the authority to investigate complaints regarding cruelty to animals and to lay charges where appropriate.
For example, it is a criminal offence for the owner or the person with custody or control of an animal, to fail to provide the animal with suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care. Depending on how serious the charge is, the offender may have to pay a fine, or go to jail. If you decide to contact the police or the Humane Society, you should do it quickly since the circus is usually in town for only a short time.
For more information about what you can do if you believe an animal is being neglected or abused, refer to other sections of Legal Line .
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