Since we are on the topic, let's discuss section 445.1. The major difference has to do with the use of the term “lawful excuse”. Section 445.1 uses “wilfully causes” or “wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird”. Only “wilfully” is used and not “lawful excuse”. The wording is a bit different.
When you used the terms reasonable or lawful excuse during your consultations, which cases were brought up? Why did you use those specific terms?