Runciman Supports Anti-Puppy/Kitten Mill
Private Members Bill
QUEEN’S PARK
– Bob Runciman, MPP for Leeds-Grenville
voted today in support of Conservative MPP
for York North, Julia Munro’s Private
Member’s Bill that targets puppy and
kitten mill operators.
Bill 129, The Ontario Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act 2001
specifically targets individuals, groups
or corporations who run puppy/kitten mills.
“I am proud of this government and
it’s members in their commitment to
address the issues of puppy and kitten mills,”
said Runciman. “By initiating this
type of legislation through a private members
bill shows a commitment by this government
to promote the individual ideas of the members
of our team.”
“This is the first substantive change
to this legislation since 1919,” said
Runciman. “By implementing a set of
standards of care we have the opportunity
to eliminate neglect and substandard care.
If all breeders were to comply with these
standards we would no longer have any puppy
or kitten mills in the province of Ontario.”
Runciman understands the cruelty dogs and
cats face in these types of operation.
“My daughter Suzanne (an OPP officer)
was involved recently in the rescue of dogs
from a puppy mill and one of the puppies
rescued, Lucky, has become a much-loved
member of her family.”
Runciman acknowledges that many people
wanted legislation that gave SPCA officers
more power but he feels this amendment will
produce the desired benefits while not being
open to court challenges.
“This is an important step forward,”
he said.
“I would urge all Ontarians who are
interested in purchasing a puppy or kitten
especially during this holiday season, to
be extremely watchful of where their puppy/kitten
comes from,” said Munro. “With
proper legislation and public awareness
we can stop this type of inhumane treatment
of puppies and kittens who are bred for
profit.”
“We appreciate Julia Munro’s
support on the puppy mill issue,”
said Vicky Earle, CEO of the OSPCA. “While
we had hoped that the Government would be
in a position to introduce more far-reaching
amendments to the Ontario SPCA Act, we welcome
any steps that will better protect abused
and neglected animals in Ontario,”
Earle says.
