To the Editor:
Animal welfare is important to Canadians and this election, we need to address it!
I am one of the 95 per cent of Canadians that, according to a recent HarrisDecima poll, believe animal pain and suffering should be reduced as much as possible. I find it strange and surprising that Canada still uses animal cruelty legislation first enacted in 1892, when our views on animal cruelty as with other issues like the environment and women's rights have changed so dramatically since this time. While other countries update their animal protection laws, Canada clings to a Victorian-era law.
I want to hear candidates' views on how they plan to improve the welfare of animals. Will they commit to updating our anti-cruelty laws? What are they doing to ensure the humane treatment and transport of farm animals? How are they going to protect Canada's wildlife?
That's why I used the website www.voteforanimals.ca to send a letter to all candidates in my riding asking their views. I hope others will join me.
I'm a Canadian voter and animals matter to me.
Brandon Boechler, Saskatoon, SK.
