Bylaws and Legislative Acts for
the City of Iqaluit
and
Nunavut Territory
- The Municipality of the City of Iqaluit has a domestic animal control bylaw and its accompanying amendments
- Nunavut has a Legislative Act (otherwise known as the dog act) in effect that is currently the only animal protection legislation in the territory
Federally the Criminal Code of Canada provides some protection for animals also but the RCMP must lay formal charges under the CCC. It reads:
The Criminal Code of Canada
- Sections 444 to 447 of the Criminal Code of Canada refer to offences against domesticated animals. These charges may be laid by police officers in addition to charges under the Animal Protection Act
- Section 444 makes it an indictable offence to willfully kill, injure or endanger cattle. The definition for cattle includes any cow, horse, mule, ass, pig, sheep or goat. If found guilty, the accused is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
- Section 445 describes the offence of injuring or endangering animals other than cattle. This section is designed to protect domesticated animals (dogs, cats, etc.). ยท Section 446 makes it an offense to not provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care. It also states that it is an offence to abandon, neglect or willfully cause pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird.
- Section 447 prohibits any activity that encourages, aids or assists in the fighting or baiting of animals (e.g. dog fights and cockfights).
- Sections 445 to 447 are summary or indictable offences which have a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine, a five year prison term, or a combination of both.
*(Martin's Annual Criminal Code of Canada, 2001 Greenspan & Rosenberg)
