Sergeant Carriere, in your opening remarks you expressed some optimism, or I think maybe even a belief, that this law would allow for a conviction of those who recklessly or negligently maim or injure a service animal. You heard Ms. Cartwright express frustration over the term “wilful neglect” in the animal cruelty laws.
That “wilful” term also appears in this law. Over and above the mens rea element of any criminal offence, the crown will have to establish wilfulness in order to secure a conviction. Does that cause you concern in your expression of optimism that this will cover reckless or negligent injury to an animal?
My suggestion to you is that maybe in this law the bar is too high.