Animal rights activists gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery yesterday to protest an animal cruelty bill they say needs to be strengthened.
The rally was one of seven across Canada asking members of Parliament to reject Bill S-203, which is poised to pass in parliament this week.
The bill calls for stronger penalties against animal abusers, but since many cases of abuse can’t be proved “willfully intended,” “It won’t do anything,” said Rose Nadon, the protest organizer.
Liberal MP Hedy Fry spoke to the crowd and said Canada is one of the few countries in the world without proper legislation to protect animals.
“I intend to vote against the bill when it comes into the house,” she said.
“Animals are helpless, and we need to stand up for them.”
