The provincial government has introduced changes to the Animal Health and Protection Act, increasing fines and penalties and providing a broader scope of enforcement action.

Among the changes are clearer definitions for issues including abandonment and distress of an animal, as well as amendments to the definition of an owner.

Veterinarians will also be barred from the elective and non-therapeutic declawing of cats.

The minister responsible, Gerry Byrne, elaborated on the increases in fines.

He says currently for matters related to the serious distress of an animal, the maximum fine is $50,000 and up to six months in jail for a first offence.

Byrne says the changes will see added penalties for a second offence, with a fine of up to $75,000 and a year in prison, which Byrne calls a “substantial deterrent.”