ANIMAL RIGHTS FOR ALL ANIMALS!!

Currently in Canada, there is no legislation in place ensuring ethical treatment of animals or animal products being imported into the country.

Although they are not perfect, Canada does enforce rules and regulations protecting animals from the most inhumane treatment. There is also organizations like the SPCA that promote and protect animal rights.

It is my belief that Canada should enforce, at a minimum, the same rules and regulations on companies from foreign countries who wish to import animals or animal products into Canada as they enforce on Canadian companies.

I began my investigation by contacting Canada’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Policy and International Trade. I was informed the only legislation Canada has in place is that it is a signatory of the Conventions on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As the name suggests, this treaty only protects animals that are listed as endangered. I have also contacted the Canadian Business Service, Environmental Canada as well as government organizations at the provincial level and they all typically refer to CITES or state that no legislation is in place.

I even took the time to contact one of the main culprits of animal abuse in my opinion, on the international stage, China. I requested information on rules in place to protect animal rights from the Chinese Government's official website (China.org) as well I also contacted the Chinese Ambassador to Canada. I did not receive a reply from either.

I firmly believe Canada should have in place a set of rules and recommendations that dictate humane treatment for animals and animal products that are to be imported into Canada. Enforcement may be challenging but having rules or guidelines in place will show other countries that Canada takes ethical treatment of animals seriously.

If you agree with me please take the time to sign my petition below.