We would recommend putting in a definition of “animal” that would treat all animals the same. This would require changing a lot of wording to take out references to “dogs”, “birds”, “cocks”. There's a lot of outdated language in the act. That's why we don't think making amendments is a good place to start. Other concerns we have include the concept of “wilful neglect”; the inadequacy of dog-fighting offences; treating different animals differently; having a separate section for cattle; considering acts against animals as property offences; and not allowing for the protection of wild and stray animals. There are numerous problems, probably too many to amend. The old bill, with its ancient language from 1892, is not a good place to start.
On February 5th, 2008. See this statement in context.