MORE SPECIES TO BE INCLUDED IN ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION

The Quebec government is moving to vastly expand the scope of its animal welfare legislation to offer increased protection to species ranging from horses and mink to ostriches and wild turkeys. The draft regulation published this week would require fox and mink farms and stables with 15 or more horses to meet the same welfare standards as dog and cat breeding operations. Under the proposed rules, owners would have to obtain a permit from the Agriculture Department and submit to regular inspections. The proposed legislation also outlines care standards that would apply to dozens of other species including some species of fish. People raising these animals would not need a permit, but they would have to respect rules concerning cleanliness and living space.