Olivia Chow defends animal rights in Parliament

Olivia Chow presented a petition March 4 which addresses the weak legislation on punishing those who seriously harm animals. The petition has been widely supported, garnering 14,000 signatures nation-wide.

First, it is my honour to present petitions from 14,000 petitioners across Canada, calling on the Government of Canada to stop being soft on crime against animals. Canada must strengthen the language of animal cruelty law and remove the animal cruelty crimes from the property section of the Criminal Code. We must recognize animals as beings that can feel pain; they are not property; and criminals who abuse animals must face conviction and serious penalty. Those who have done serious crime must do serious time. It is time for Canada to act and protect our furry friends.

Support the petition here: http://www.oliviachow.ca/animal_protection_petition