Mr. Speaker, the second petition comes from constituents concerned with the status of animals in this country. Under law, they are seen only as property, without recognizing that they are sentient beings, living beings, with the ability to feel pain, fear, comfort and other experiences.
The petitioners cite the support of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in saying that animal sentience should be formally recognized in Canadian law. The e-petition, which was signed by many Canadians, asks that the Government of Canada take this consideration.
We have tried before in this House to have legislation to cease treating animals as property. The petitioners hope that we will take this up again and consider legislation to recognize the nature of animals as sentient beings.