#ospca

Ontario's animal welfare agency, the OSPCA, has informed provincial government officials it will stop investigating and enforcing animal cruelty laws once its current contract expires at the end of March.

The OSPCA has enforced animal cruelty laws in Ontario for 100 years.

CEO Kate MacDonald told The Canadian Press (CP) the current model "is no longer working".

MacDonald says the group will transition into a support role in animal cruelty cases while providing shelter, forensic evidence and vetrinary services.

OSPCA at at Crossroads

TV Ontario’s The Agenda has posted the video of our panel on the future of animal welfare enforcement in Ontario, in light of the recent court ruling that the Ontario SPCA’s powers are unconstitutional.

I found the discussion thoughtful and nuanced, but there were certainly controversial moments, especially on whether the OSPCA should wield police powers and whether existing anti-cruelty laws are adequate.