moved for leave to introduce Bill C-592, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cruelty to animals).
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce a bill to amend the Criminal Code with respect to cruelty to animals.
In January, a husky and a cat were found dead in a Calgary alleyway with their mouths taped shut. In October, a police dog named Quanto was stabbed multiple times when he was on duty in Edmonton.
We need new policies. There is a growing movement calling for better protection for our animals. At the request of my constituents, I decided to look at what the federal government could do to help animals.
I hope that all members of the House will vote in favour of this bill, which provides a better definition of an animal, defines the intentions and acts of cruelty, such as animal fights, and sets the penalties for those found guilty of these unacceptable acts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)