Laws in Canada

Animals and the Law – Humane Canada
Our work focuses on ensuring animals are protected by the law and that those who mistreat animals are held accountable. We strive to strengthen animal protection legislation, enhance enforcement of animal cruelty laws, and promote education and training for law enforcement and judicial officials.

Animal Justice
Animal Justice is the only organization of its kind making sure that animals have a legal voice in Canada. Our team of compassionate lawyers and advocates fight for stronger legal protections for animals.

Canadian Council on Animal Care
Canadian Legislation and Policies  –  Under the Constitution Act 1867, the federal government does not have the jurisdiction to legislate experiments involving animals. Animal experimentation generally falls, instead, under provincial jurisdiction.

Canada’s Laws on Animal Protection
This site compiles key information about animal protection, including about reporting suspected cruelty, investigations, legal resources, and supports for improving human and animal wellbeing in Canada.

Provincial and territorial legislation concerning farm animal welfare
Canadian provinces have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals and pets. All provinces and territories have laws in respect to animal welfare. Provincial and territorial legislation tend to be general in scope, covering a wide range of animal welfare interests. Some provinces and territories have regulations that govern specific aspects of animal welfare, or are related to certain species.  The roles of the provinces and territories are described on this link .

BC SPCA – National, Provincial (BC) and Municipal Laws for farm animals
Provincial legislation is typically responsible for protecting animals on farms, whereas federal legislation is responsible for protecting animals in transport and at slaughter.

Animal Legal Defense Fund
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.

The UK Journal of Animal Law
UK’s only legal journal dedicated to animals.

Animal Law Podcast – Our Hen House
Our Hen House is a US based not-for-profit organization which produces upbeat yet hard-hitting podcasts that amplify the voices of people who are working to change the world for animals, offering our listeners accurate information and inspiration to create positive change.

Animal Law Center
Animals and Laws promote the respect and protection of all animals all over the world.

Human-Animal Violence
A significant body of research has identified a link between the violence against animals and the simultaneous or subsequent abuse of people. Abusers may hurt animals before or alongside other people, and/or threaten, maim, and murder animals as strategies of control and domination, particularly in cases of interpersonal violence against women.