Debates of February 9, 2005 (day 32)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s good to be back here and I think we’re experiencing a flying start as a pack of roosters on this side and I really, really look forward to crowing really loudly about the issues that are important to our constituents over the coming months.

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Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice and it’s with regard to parts of my Member’s statement about what’s been happening to our canine residents in the Territories. Mr. Speaker, I had the occasion to attend the Power-Up Young Women’s Conference last Monday and I had the occasion to talk to lots of young people and they all could not understand what was being reported in the media at the time about this story, and that was that the RCMP chose not to investigate what was happening with these six dogs. Lots of people were surprised that we don’t actually have very strong legislation that protects these animals in the way that they are treated. We understand that animals are an important part of our livelihood. We hunt, we support all that, but I don’t think anybody supports cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals. So I’m glad to hear, Mr. Speaker, that the RCMP has restarted the investigation and I would like to know from the Minister of Justice what he can report to the House about what the RCMP has found so far. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Justice, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sensitive to the public concern around this issue. I have a dog as a pet and was troubled when I saw the pictures and heard the story as well, but at this point I can’t add much to what’s been happening with the investigation. I know that the RCMP have appealed to the public for anybody to come forward who has information on the case and they would welcome anybody providing that. The investigation is continuing, but I believe that the RCMP would welcome some assistance if anybody has any information on the case. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to hearing from the Minister when the investigations are concluded. I’m not sure if this will result in someone being charged or anything like that, but just to get an update on the case. But, Mr. Speaker, I don’t believe that this issue only has to do with those six dogs that were found. I had made a reference to those two puppies that were found frozen to death in a dump in Hay River. We’ve also had a report in Tuktoyaktuk where there were some animals frozen in the ice storm. I think really there is a role for the government to play in terms of just making aware and there’s the NWT Dog Act that speaks to how to treat dogs and the inhumane ways. So I would like to know from the Minister what if anything he has done with his Cabinet colleagues to have people more aware of this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Dog Act says that no person shall punish or abuse a dog in a manner or to an extent that is cruel or unnecessary. So we have legislation in place that is intended to ensure that dogs are treated humanely. It is an issue that under this law is administered by Municipal and Community Affairs, because of their relationship with municipalities. The municipalities can pass bylaws respecting the care and control of dogs, as well. So in terms of what Cabinet has done to change our approach, the Cabinet hasn’t, at this point, done anything. I think we are expecting to hear further from the RCMP. The carcasses from the incident in Yellowknife have been sent to the University of Saskatchewan to be autopsied by specialists there to determine whether or not the method of disposal was inhumane, and if so then there is the likelihood or possibility of charges if a suspect could be identified. However, we’re at a very initial stage in that investigation. I think that the events that the Member spoke about in Hay River and in Tuk and Yellowknife have certainly led to a heightened awareness. It’s an issue that MACA and the municipalities will have to also take some interest in in making sure that municipalities follow up on their responsibility as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe municipalities have jurisdiction over this area within their own jurisdiction, but there is a little bit of a gap in situations where these situations happen outside of the municipality, which is the case with the latest six dogs that were found. Mr. Speaker, I understand that there is overlap of jurisdiction not only between these two administrators, but between the levels of government as well, but I don’t think there have been strong statements from the government as a government to say that this is not acceptable. What sort of resources are there, even to the municipalities, to make sure that the legislation in the books is being enforced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the government hasn’t taken a formal position. I can say personally I was certainly supportive of the federal legislation that was proposed before the last election, and I personally would enjoy seeing the federal government bring that legislation back onto the table. But our government can’t create a criminal offence and that is what I think is necessary in order to properly protect animals in our jurisdiction and across Canada. In terms of what we can do further, I expect that my colleague, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, and myself will examine the current legislation and discuss whether there are ways that we need to take a look at modifying the legislation or bring forward proposals for change to strengthen it. At this point though we haven’t had time to follow up on that concern. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for what he’s suggesting. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has indicated that autopsies are being done, but the final reports are not out. It is encouraging to hear that the RCMP has decided, after a few moments of hesitation, to work with the SPCA and such. Would the Minister commit to work with Minister McLeod and with these two agencies to see how we can tighten up what we have and how to improve what we have? Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 345-15(3): Cruel Treatment Of NWT Dogs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will certainly discuss with Mr. McLeod what the options might be for us to examine our legislation. Thank you.