Justice committee  It goes back; often people who abuse animals were abused as children. This has been shown by the evidence over and over again. They may have observed animal abuse, so it definitely goes forward across generations, like domestic violence, but I think it's a very large question.

Justice committee  I would add that the way we see this really direct link is first of all, as Ms. Cartwright said, that women will delay leaving situations because of fear for the safety of their animals. Quite a few veterinary practices and animal welfare organizations have arrangements with do

Justice committee  CVMA has long supported changes to the Criminal Code regarding the abuse and neglect of animals. We also see this bill as a good start, addressing two particularly egregious sections. We most recently supported Bill C-246 and the provisions there. We see that as a longer-term goa

Justice committee  Some other countries have quite comprehensive animal welfare frameworks, like New Zealand, for instance, which has an excellent one. That's exactly what it consists of. It's a comprehensive, consultative approach that tries to address the broader issues as well as the issues on t

Justice committee  It's really important that animals that have been seized, whether they be dogs or cocks, have a thorough behaviour evaluation to decide what is in their best interests and also for the safety of other animals and people. That may be a veterinary behaviourist or someone else who s

Justice committee  I would totally agree with that. CVMA would support that, yes.

Justice committee  Yes, I can.

Justice committee  Thank you.

Justice committee  Good morning, Mr. Chairman and committee members. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address the committee. I'm a member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, which I will call the CVMA, and I'm currently adjunct professor in the department of health manageme