The Provincial Government is reviewing the Animal Health and Protection Act and Regulations to help ensure the legislation continues to reflect the highest possible standards for animal welfare.

The Animal Health and Protection Act was enacted into legislation in 2012 and reviewed with public consultation in 2017.

Kevin Guest, a volunteer with Canada’s largest beagle rescue organization, Beagle Paws Rescue, says the current legislation is not sufficient. One major issue he highlighted was rules and regulations for backyard breeders, where dogs are forced to have litter after litter.

He says in some other provincial jurisdictions you need a licence to breed dogs and all puppies being sold need to come with a health check certificate. They would like to see this included in the review.

They would also like to see a review of the “Inspector” role, enhanced training for those enforcing the act, and the rules around tethering.

An online questionnaire for submitting feedback is available on engageNL. Virtual engagement sessions are happening throughout May. The deadline to submit feedback is May 29th.

Anyone with an interest in providing a presentation can contact the Animal Health Division at 709-729-6879 or email AHPAReview@gov.nl.ca.