Obby Khan Introduces the Animal Care Amendment Act, Passes Second Reading
Bill will ban pets being left in hot or freezing vehicles, hold people accountable: MLA Khan
Obby Khan, MLA for Fort Whyte, introduced the Animal Care Amendment Act, which will ban pets being left vehicles during hot or freezing temperatures if the vehicle’s climate control is not running.
“This is an important bill that people in our communities were asking for,” said Khan. “Every time I see a pet in a vehicle during extreme temperatures it breaks my heart. My son has two dogs, and I know how impactful animals can be for people.”
The bill will allow enforcers of the law to act when a pet is in a vehicle that is not running or in pet mode during summer temperatures above 22 degrees and winter temperatures below -10 degrees. It will protect officers from liability to ensure that they can act in the best interest of the animal. It also allows all provincial officers to issue tickets for the offence, including conservation officers.
“Today is an important win for the animals and animal welfare in Manitoba, thanks to this progressive Bill. Without a voice of their own, we need to speak loudly for our animals,” said Jessica Miller, Winnipeg Humane Society CEO. “We’re thrilled to see this Bill moved forward by MLA Khan, as it’s only together we can generate real change. Pets being left alone in extreme hot or cold temperatures is cruel and inhumane. Not only will this Bill stop this from happening, but we think it will help spread awareness and education to the community – including the start of legislative changes in favour of animal
wellbeing.”
As the bill has passed second reading, it will now go to committee for public consultation. Manitoba’s PC Caucus looks forward to getting this bill passed and granted royal assent when we return to the legislature in the spring.
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