This site is for educational purposes only. It is a viewpoint specifically geared towards animal law in Canada but involves international topics as well. To better understand animal law in Canada, this website includes resources, laws in place, case study, currently updated news and current topics, and various animal organizations in Canada. In providing the resources, the reader will benefit from a better understanding of the current legislation and legal issues including the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal statutes and regulations that effect animals.

The issues are very current as the daily newspapers talk about diverse subjects involving animal treatment, rights and various stories. The topic has gleaned such importance that it is now a separate course being taught by several Faculties of Law across Canada. The first course in Animal Law was started in 1977 at Seton Hall Law School (USA).

What is animal law?

Animal law is a combination of statutory and case law in which the nature – legal, social or biological – of nonhuman animals is an important factor. Animal law encompasses companion animals, wildlife, animals used in entertainment and animals raised for food and research. (wikipedia.com)

Do animals have rights?

Animal rights are set by human behaviour. The question is not, can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, can they suffer? (Jeremy Bentham-English Barrister-1789) Animals in Canada do have rights.

How do we as humans set or control human behaviour in relation to animal rights and suffering?

The following legislation and cases on this site set out the protection Canada provides its animals.