Animal Justice (organization) explained

Animal Justice
Type:Non-profit
Location:Toronto, Ontario
Key People:Camille Labchuk
Area Served: Canada
Focus:Animal law

Animal Justice is a Canadian nonprofit organization with three main areas of focus: lobbying for stronger animal protection laws, improved enforcement of those laws, and fighting for animals in court.[1]

It is Canada’s only national organization dedicated to advancing the interests of animals in the law. The organization makes submissions in court to obtain intervenor status and provide the perspective of animals.[2] The organization was founded in 2008 and is led by animal rights lawyer Camille Labchuk.[3]

Cases and campaigns

Papanack Park Zoo investigation

In 2017, Animal Justice released undercover footage taken by a whistleblower who worked on the grounds of Papanack Park Zoo near Ottawa, Ontario.[4] The zoo was investigated but no charges were laid.[5]

Ban on bestiality

In 2016, Animal Justice was the first animal advocacy group to make oral arguments as an intervener in a Supreme Court of Canada case in order to provide context to the Court's assessment.[6] The case identified a loophole that most sexual abuse of animals in Canada was not illegal.[7] Following the case, Animal Justice campaigned for Bill C-84, which closed the loophole and banned all forms on bestiality in Canada.[8]

Ban on whale and dolphin captivity

Animal Justice supported the passage of Bill S-203 that phases out the practice of keeping cetaceans in captivity in Canada and prohibits breeding of cetaceans and collecting reproductive materials from them.[9]

Ban on shark fin imports

Animal Justice supported the passage of Bill C-68, banning shark finning in Canadian waters and the import and export of shark fins.[10]

Paragon pig farm investigation

In 2020, W5 (TV program) aired Animal Justice’s undercover investigation showing alleged abuse at a pig farm in Puntam, Ontario.[11]

Cedar Valley organic dairy farm investigation

In 2021, Animal Justice released an undercover video showing allegations of animal abuse at an organic dairy farm in Abbotsford, BC.[12] The footage prompted an investigation from British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the farm had its licence suspended.[13]

Ag gag lawsuit

In 2021, Animal Justice filed a constitutional challenge to anti-whistleblower laws in Ontario that would make it illegal for journalists and animal advocates to go undercover on farms to expose animal cruelty, known as “ag gag” laws.[14] The organization is arguing that the Ontario law violates Canadians’ right to freedom of expression. [15]

Canadian Animal Law Conference

The organization has held an annual national animal law conference since 2019.[16] Philosopher Peter Singer was the keynote speaker at the first conference in 2019.[17] The 2022 Canadian Animal Law Conference had 200 attendees and discussed legal developments furthering animal rights in Canada.[18]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Animal Justice celebrates 10 years of fighting for legal protection for animals in Canada. apt613.ca. 22 October 2022.
  2. Web site: Live from the SCC: The Significance of Animal Advocates in the Court in R v DLW. thecourt.ca. 16 November 2015 . 4 January 2023.
  3. Web site: WARRIOR LAWYER PROFILE: CAMILLE LABCHUK. allard.ubc.ca . 4 January 2023.
  4. News: McSheffrey . Elizabeth . 11 August 2017 . Secret footage shows shocking animal abuse at Ottawa-area zoo . National Observer . 22 October 2022.
  5. News: Gillis . Megan . 11 April 2018 . 'Not sufficient evidence' for charges in Papanack Zoo probe, says OSPCA . Ottawa Citizen . 22 October 2022.
  6. Gacek . James . Jochelson . Richard . 2017 . 'Animal Justice' and Sexual (Ab)use: Consideration of Legal Recognition of Sentience for Animals in Canada . Manitoba Law Journal . 40 . 3 . 340 . 22 October 2022.
  7. Web site: Legislative Summary of Bill C-84: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bestiality and animal fighting). lop.parl.ca. 22 October 2022.
  8. News: Aiello . Rachel . 18 October 2018 . Feds to ban all forms of bestiality, crack down on animal fighting . CTV News . 22 October 2022.
  9. Web site: Canada passes 'Free Willy' bill to ban captivity of all whales, dolphins. mongabay.com. 11 June 2019 . 22 October 2022.
  10. News: Braun . Liz . 19 June 2019 . Canada leads with groundbreaking shark protections . Toronto Sun . 22 October 2022.
  11. News: Derrick . Chad . 28 November 2020 . Undercover footage from Ontario pig farm shows alleged abuse but new laws may ban future probes . CTV News . 22 October 2022.
  12. News: Hopes . Vikki . 8 November 2021 . PETA calls for closure of Abbotsford dairy farm accused of animal abuse . The Abbotsford News . 22 October 2022.
  13. News: Grochowski . Sarah . 5 November 2021 . 'Troubling' footage prompts B.C. SPCA investigation into Abbotsford dairy farm . Vancouver Sun . 22 October 2022.
  14. News: Freeze . Colin . 9 March 2021 . 'Ontario hit with lawsuit challenging 'Ag-Gag' legislation . The Globe and Mail . 23 October 2022.
  15. News: Kopecky . Arno . 13 October 2022 . Exposing Animal Abuse May Land Canadian Farm Activists in Jail . Mother Jones . 4 January 2023.
  16. Web site: The Canadian Animal Law conference returns to U of T. law.utoronto.ca. 22 October 2022.
  17. News: Beswick . Aaron. 18 March 2019 . Controversial philosopher's Halifax appearance raises ire . SaltWire . 22 October 2022.
  18. News: Birnbaum . Elisa . 24 September 2022 . Canada's animal-welfare push is gathering steam. Here's what's on the agenda . Toronto Star . 22 October 2022.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Animal Justice (organization)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.