When the City of Toronto decided to amend Chapter 349 of the Toronto Municipal Code (Animal By-law), Animal Justice Canada (Animal Justice), in collaboration with other community organizations, provided members of City Council with information to help Toronto become a world leader in companion animal protection.
In consideration of City shelter operations, Animal Justice provided the City of Toronto with independent research and recommendations on an ongoing basis to strengthen Toronto’s Animal By-law. After several meetings and draft proposals, a number of recommendations put forward by Animal Justice were adopted by Toronto in two rounds of amendments.
Specifically the City adopted recommendations strengthening provisions for the care and well-being of animals, defining key terms such as feral cats and rescue groups, affirming commitment to reduce the rate of euthanasia at City shelters, and adding to the City’s list of prohibited animals.
The amended Animal By-law also recognizes the establishment of City Spay/Neuter Clinics as well as establishes a trap, neuter, return program for feral cats.
The Toronto Animal By-law came into force on August 1, 2013. A copy of the Animal By-law may be accessed HERE.
