Working for better laws

Since 1895, the BC SPCA has been working for better laws for the treatment of animals in B.C.

Back then, the biggest concern was conditions for working horses. Today, we work to change laws to ensure all animals are provided, at a minimum, the Five Freedoms.

In recent years, we have had success in changing laws about:

• The keeping and importation of exotic animals in B.C.
• The use of rodenticides by municipalities and for residential and non-essential commercial properties province-wide
• The intensive farming of mink for fur
• The commercial hunting of grizzly bears
• The keeping of whales, dolphins and porpoises in captivity
• Progressive municipal bylaws to remove BSL, restrict wildlife feeding and exotic animal keeping
• Veterinary practices such as cat declawing and dog debarking, tail docking and ear cropping 

See the latest review of our advocacy initiatives (PDF).

What the BC SPCA is doing to achieve better laws

Our latest work focuses on:

• Municipal bylaws: Ongoing support to adopt humane bylaws for companion, farm and wild animals
• Laws for farm animal care: Ongoing committee work to improve minimum standards on farm and inspections
• Pet-friendly housing: Previous attempts to change the Rental Tenancy Act were unsuccessful, however other policy options are being researched

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