For a legislative strengthening of animal protection in Quebec

To the attention of the National Assembly of Quebec,

We, citizens of Quebec, signatories of this petition, express our deep concern regarding the inadequacy of current measures to prevent and punish animal cruelty in our territory.

Although the Animal Welfare and Safety Act recognizes animals as sentient beings, we find that the penalties and enforcement mechanisms often remain deterrent for offenders. Furthermore, the status of assistance animals requires much stricter regulation.

For these reasons, we request the Quebec government to:

1. ​Tighten criminal penalties: Significantly increase fines and prison sentences for acts of cruelty, so that they reflect the severity of the suffering inflicted and act as a true deterrent mechanism.
   
2. ​Implement strict prohibitions: Impose a lifetime ban on owning animals for anyone found guilty of serious abuse or cruelty towards an animal.
   
3. ​Strengthen intervention resources: Provide more resources and powers to the authorities and inspectors of MAPAQ to act swiftly in cases of neglect or animal distress.
   
4. ​Regulate assistance animals: Establish a clear and official legislative framework for the recognition of assistance dogs, including:
   
   • ​Mandatory training standards ensuring the health and well-being of the animal.
     
   • ​Increased penalties in cases of abuse towards these animals, considering their vital role for the autonomy of people with disabilities.
     
   • ​Rigorous control mechanisms to prevent fraudulent use of the assistance dog status.
     
   
   
   

​Respect for animal life is a fundamental indicator of the moral health of our society. It is imperative that the laws of Quebec reflect the value we place on the protection of all animals, and more specifically those who assist us daily.

​We urge the government to act without delay to make Quebec a leader in welfare.