PROVINCE MOVES TO ALLOW ENFORCEMENT BY HUMANE SOCIETIES

Humane societies in Ontario may be allowed to enforce animal cruelty laws once the province’s animal welfare charity abdicates its role next month. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said Friday the move is a transition measure until new legislation is brought in this fall. She said a number of humane societies have asked to help after the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals relinquishes its enforcement duties on June 28. “Our government wants to empower these affiliates to continue protecting animals as we develop a new model,” Jones said in a statement. The role of the OSPCA came into question in January when a judge ruled the province erred when it gave the private charity policing powers without also imposing accountability and transparency standards.