Animal Protection Laws

Animal protection is offered under both provincial and federal legislation. The two main laws protecting animals against abuse and neglect are Alberta’s Animal Protection Act (APA) and the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC).

The APA protects animals in distress due to neglect or abuse by their owner or caretaker. Peace Officers from the Alberta SPCA, the Calgary Humane Society and the Edmonton Humane Society are appointed by the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security to enforce the APA. Penalties under the APA include prohibition from owning an animal and/or fines of up to $20,000.

The CCC refers to wilful acts of cruelty or neglect, either by the animals’ owner or by someone else. Cases covered by the CCC are usually investigated by Community Police or the RCMP, often in consultation with the appropriate SPCA or Humane Society. For a summary conviction offence under this section of the CCC, the maximum penalty that a judge can impose is a $2000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.