Last year, Canadians were shocked to learn that a Winnipeg couple had allegedly been creating and distributing videos depicting the torture and killing of animals, including kittens, birds, rabbits, hamsters, frogs and an axolotl. The case drew national attention, not only because of the extreme cruelty involved, but because it exposed a deeply unsettling reality: this was far from an isolated incident. For years, animal torture and “crush” videos have been created, shared, and consumed in Canada, often through underground online networks and the dark web.
The case exposed a dangerous gap in Canadian law. While acts of extreme animal abuse and torture are illegal, the creation and distribution of photos and videos depicting this abuse are not explicitly prohibited, allowing it to continue largely out of sight. Animal Justice is working to address this dangerous gap by strengthening Bill C-16 to protect animals from extreme abuse.
The Urgent Need to Strengthen Bill C-16
Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, was introduced in December 2025. It includes a range of amendments to the Criminal Code regarding violence and abuse against humans. Currently, the bill would also make it an offence to share photos or videos of bestiality—a great first step for animal protection. When it comes to the sexual abuse of animals, the law should target not only the underlying act, but also aim to reduce the market for the material. However, the same logic should apply to all forms of intentional animal torture. That’s why we’re urging Parliamentarians to strengthen Bill C-16 to include “animal crush” videos that are not sexual in nature.
Ending the Market for Animal Cruelty
“Animal crushing” involves killing or torturing animals by burning, drowning, or crushing them. These videos depict the most egregious cruelty imaginable. Disturbingly, this content is being produced right here in Canada. In October 2024, police in Winnipeg found evidence of crush videos being shared on the dark web. Law enforcement laid cruelty charges for the underlying abuse, but they lacked the tools to address the creation and distribution of the videos.
Disturbingly, online predators even deliberately target children and adolescents, grooming them and encouraging them to harm animals on camera for use in blackmail and other abhorrent purposes.
By criminalizing the possession and sale of this media, Canada can take an important step toward reducing the market and deterring those involved in the creation and distribution of these horrific videos. In many videos, the face of the perpetrator is hidden. This makes it very hard to prove who committed the original act of cruelty. Experience in other countries has shown that banning animal crush videos can effectively decrease this underground market.
A Clear Message Against Extreme Abuse
Most Canadians assume that creating and distributing such horrific content is already illegal. Amending the law would send a clear message that the commercialization of animal suffering has no place in Canada. Any new rules should still protect legitimate work, such as journalism or research. This ensures the law targets abusers without affecting valid expression. It is time for Parliament to act and ensure our laws reflect our shared values of compassion and justice.
Take Action for Animals
We need your help to keep up the pressure on lawmakers. Animal Justice is at the forefront of the fight to pass stronger protections for animals in Parliament and across the country. Together, we can ensure that extreme animal abuse is met with the full force of the law.
