The Alberta government is set to enhance animal welfare measures by increasing fines and penalties. The proposed Animal Protection Amendment Act, also known as Bill 22, aims to provide clearer definitions of distress and abandonment, empowering peace officers to take action when animals are in harmful situations. Key distress indicators include access to adequate shelter and sanitation.
The amendments will broaden the scope of locations and businesses subject to inspection, now including boarding and grooming facilities. If passed, the bill will impose stricter penalties on offenders, raising maximum fines from $20,000 to $250,000 and introducing potential jail terms of up to 12 months for serious violations.
Furthermore, the legislation will target individuals who have committed animal-related offenses in other provinces and relocated to Alberta without facing consequences. Leanna Niblock, the executive director of the Alberta SPCA, highlighted that Alberta would be the first province in Canada to enforce prohibition orders from other provinces, allowing authorities to address repeat offenders regardless of where they endanger animals nationwide.
According to Niblock, the proposed increase in fines and potential jail sentences for offenders will enhance accountability, act as a deterrent, and underscore the importance of animal welfare. Recent incidents of animal distress, such as the case in November 2025 where two women were charged for alleged animal cruelty in northwestern Alberta, demonstrate the necessity of such legislative enhancements. Over 300 animals were relinquished from In The Woods animal rescue locations in Marie Reine and the Municipal District of Smoky River.
These amendments signify a significant step towards protecting animals and holding offenders accountable under the law.