College Connection | Fall 2023
Protecting animal welfare in today ’ s world : a unified effort
College Connection | Fall 2023
Protecting animal welfare in today ’ s world : a unified effort
By : Dr . Tricia Alderson , veterinarian , member of College Council , and Chair , Quality Assurance Committee
Animal Welfare Services inspectors and veterinarians have important roles to make sure animals in Ontario are protected . New provincial animal welfare legislation came into force on January 1 , 2020 . It is important veterinarians understand their broader role in helping protect animal welfare in the province . I had the opportunity to meet with Scott Sylvia , former Senior Investigator and current Program Development Officer for Provincial Animal Welfare Services at the Ministry of the Solicitor General and discuss the Provincial Animal Welfare Services ( PAWS ) Act , the roles of inspectors and veterinarians , and how to build collaborative relationships . I am pleased to share what I learned .
What is the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act ?
The PAWS Act is Ontario ’ s animal welfare legislation that came into force on January 1 , 2020 , replacing the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( OSPCA ) Act . The PAWS Act and its regulations help ensure animals are protected and treated in a humane manner .
These protections include setting out basic standards of care that apply to all animals covered under the act , as well as specific standards of care that apply to animals in unique circumstances . Currently , Ontario has the strongest provincial penalties in Canada for those who violate animal welfare laws .
What is Ontario ’ s Animal Welfare Services ?
Animal Welfare Services ( AWS ) is the first fully provincial government-based animal welfare enforcement system in Canada .
The Chief Animal Welfare Inspector and provincial animal welfare inspectors include inspectors with specialized expertise in livestock , zoos , aquariums , and equines and help to carry out inspections , respond to concerns , conduct investigations , and provide outreach and education on best animal care practices .
What do AWS inspectors do ? What do they do when a report is received about an animal ?
AWS follows a standard code of conduct while conducting inspections and investigations . Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the PAWS Act and its regulations including standards of care . They also conduct investigations into violations and non-compliance of the PAWS Act . These inspections and investigations include cases where veterinarians report animals that may be in distress , and the veterinarian ’ s experience helps AWS inspectors decide on the most appropriate course of action .
Criminal Code offences for animals are investigated by police and receive AWS inspector support . While some inspections result in investigations and laying of charges for offences under the PAWS Act , AWS ’ primary goal is to protect and ensure the humane treatment of animals . To do this , the inspector will assess compliance and act , as authorized , to remedy any distress that animals may be found in . This can include issuing orders to gain compliance or removing an animal to provide the necessary care .
When might an inspector engage the services of a veterinarian ?
There are many instances where AWS will have to engage the services of veterinarians . For example , an AWS inspector may require an owner / custodian to have their animal examined and treated by a veterinarian under section 30 ( 1 ) to relieve distress . Veterinarian assessment is often also needed when removing and taking possession of an animal in distress under section 31 ( 1 )( a ). Under section 32 ( b ), an AWS inspector may cause an animal to be euthanized if a veterinarian has advised that it is the most humane course of action .
What are veterinarians ’ roles within the PAWS Act ? What is different from previous requirements ?
Any veterinarian who has reasonable grounds to believe that an animal is being abused or neglected are obligated to report to an AWS inspector . This includes the animal
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