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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 13, 2016 | 12 MPs push stricter laws on animal cruelty front by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff says she's disappointed after a private member's bill aimed at preventing animal abuse died during a vote in the House of Commons on Oct. 5. Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith brought Bill C-246, the Modernizing Animal Protections Act, forward on March 2. The proposed act was designed to strengthen existing animal cruelty offences under the Criminal Code by making it easier to prosecute animal fighting and puppy mills, and stop the sale of cat and dog fur. Shark finning practice It would also have prohibited the practice of shark finning in Canadian waters and ban the import of shark fins not attached to the carcass. Damoff, who as an Oakville Town councillor, had brought forward a motion that banned shark fin products in Oakville, supported the bill. "Our humane societies need legislation to take the protection of animals even farther," stated Damoff in a May press release. "I am pleased to support Mr. Erskine-Smith's bill aimed at ensuring all animals in Canada are adequately protected against cruelty and neglect." Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff Oakville MP John Oliver also supported the bill, as did both Humane Society International and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. It was not enough as the bill was defeated by a vote of 198 to 87 during its second reading on Oct. 5. "I'm really disappointed it didn't pass. I'm disappointed that the government didn't support it," said Damoff. "I'm going to continue to work with Nathaniel, and my colleagues who did support it, to get legislation brought in by the Justice Oakville MP John Oliver Department. The minister has committed to reviewing it." Damoff noted the bill was not intended to affect fishing, hunting or farming in Canada, however, groups representing these industries and activities lobbied against the bill, apparently on the concern it could be used to bring criminal charges against any activity where an animal is harmed. "Provisions in Bill C-246 clearly make it possible for someone who catches a fish to face criminal prosecution for cruelty to animals," reads an online article on fishncanada.com. "Even the act of baiting a hook with a worm would be considered an act of cruelty according to the bill." Damoff said this type of concern was unwarranted. "Nathaniel had done a lot of research into that and where it is considered a usual practice -- so if it is normal to fish with a hook and catch a fish -- then that is not considered cruelty. The same with what happens at a farm. If it is a usual practice, then that is not grounds for charges," she said. "It is only when there is extraordinary negligence or abuse of animals." No reason to kill the bill Damoff said just because there was opposition was no reason to kill the bill. She pointed out if the proposed legislation had been allowed to reach the committee stage, those who had problems with it could have voiced concerns and the bill could have been altered to address them. "I know from my experience on council, working with the Oakville Milton Humane Society (OMHS), their hands are tied in a lot of these animal abuse cases," said Damoff. "We need to update the legislation to allow them to do their jobs and that is why the humane society came out and support the legislation. This is badly needed." O C TO B E R 6 - 1 6 FREE EARRINGS with your $125 PANDORA purchase! PA I R O F T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT BRAMALEA CITY CENTRE 905.792.8820 SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTRE 905.232.0661 MAPLEVIEW CENTRE 905.632.5400 ERIN MILLS TOWN CENTRE 905.828.5902 Free pair of earrings up to $60 value. Valid only at participating retailers. Void where prohibited. Not valid with prior purchase. While supplies last. Excludes gift card purchases. Prices before taxes.