All Canadian provinces and territories have animal protection legislation. The laws vary from province to province, but generally cover:

• Specific animal welfare issues;
• Protection provided;
• Manner and degree of enforcement of the laws; and
• Ministry / department responsible for enforcing the laws

Some of the offences set out in the provincial legislation are also considered criminal and are set out in the Criminal Code. Although some of the provincial laws overlap with the Criminal Code, the provincial laws generally provide stronger protections for animals and cover more and broader issues. Also, provincial laws are more detailed, covering such things as standards of care and responsibility for animal owners. Provincial laws may also exist that deal with specific animals, such as Fish and Wildlife Acts. There are also often regulations governing hunting and trapping of animals.

In cases of animal abuse, enforcement officials may choose to lay charges under the provincial law, the Criminal Code, or both. However, since most provincial laws provide stronger and more comprehensive animal protection laws, enforcement officers more often choose to lay charges under the provincial statute rather than the Criminal Code.

Provincial legislation

Alberta

• Animal Protection Act
• Animal Protection Regulation
• Wildlife Act

British Columbia

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
• Wildlife Act

Manitoba

• The Animal Care Act
• The Animal Liability Act
• The Wildlife Act
• The Fisheries Act

New Brunswick

• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
• Fish and Wildlife Act

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Animal Health and Protection Act
• Animal Protection Standards Regulations
• Animal Protection Regulations
• Wild Life Act

Northwest Territories

• Herd and Fencing Act
• Dog Act
• Wildlife Act

Nova Scotia

• Animal Protection Act
• Wildlife Act
• Standards of Care for Cats and Dogs Regulations

Nunavut

• The Dog Act
• Wildlife Act

Ontario

• Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act 
• Dog Owners’ Liability Act
• Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
• Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, 2024

Prince Edward Island

• Animal Health Act
• Wildlife Conservation Act

Quebec

• Animal Health Protection Act
• An Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife

Saskatchewan

• The Animal Protection Act
• The Stray Animals Act
• The Wildlife Act

Yukon

• Animal Protection Act
• Animal Health Act
• Dog Act
• Wildlife Act

To find out more about enforcement of the various laws above, contact the provincial or local SPCA or humane society for the jurisdiction in question.

								
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