Regulation - Minister
Proposed Regulations Related to Methods of Service, Appeal and Animal Forfeiture Time Periods and Contact Information under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 447/19
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act)
Summary of Proposal:
On January 1, 2020, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act) came into force. It requires compliance with standards of care and prohibits causing animals distress to help ensure animals in the province are protected and treated humanely.
Animal Welfare Services (AWS) within the Ministry of the Solicitor General (ministry) is responsible for enforcing the PAWS Act. AWS is comprised of a chief animal welfare inspector and provincial animal welfare inspectors, including inspectors with specialized expertise in livestock, zoos, aquariums, and equines, who provide enforcement across Ontario.
On June 8, 2023, the Strengthening Safety and Modernizing Justice Act, 2023, which included amendments to the PAWS Act, received Royal Assent. These amendments relate to improving cost recovery for AWS, clarifying Animal Care Review Board processes, and narrowing gaps related to AWS inspector authorities to help strengthen protections for animals.
The ministry is now proposing regulations necessary to implement and operationalize some of these legislative amendments to the PAWS Act. These proposed regulations relate to service of orders, notices, and statements of account by animal welfare inspectors, time periods for owners and custodians to appeal matters to the Animal Care Review Board and corresponding time periods for animal forfeiture, and contact information to be collected when animal ownership or ongoing custodianship changes and that animal is the subject of an order. These regulations will support the bringing into force of amendments that will ultimately enable more efficient and effective operations and improve animal welfare in Ontario.
See attached document for further detail regarding the proposed regulations.
The ministry welcomes your comments and feedback.
Animal Welfare Services (AWS) within the Ministry of the Solicitor General (ministry) is responsible for enforcing the PAWS Act. AWS is comprised of a chief animal welfare inspector and provincial animal welfare inspectors, including inspectors with specialized expertise in livestock, zoos, aquariums, and equines, who provide enforcement across Ontario.
On June 8, 2023, the Strengthening Safety and Modernizing Justice Act, 2023, which included amendments to the PAWS Act, received Royal Assent. These amendments relate to improving cost recovery for AWS, clarifying Animal Care Review Board processes, and narrowing gaps related to AWS inspector authorities to help strengthen protections for animals.
The ministry is now proposing regulations necessary to implement and operationalize some of these legislative amendments to the PAWS Act. These proposed regulations relate to service of orders, notices, and statements of account by animal welfare inspectors, time periods for owners and custodians to appeal matters to the Animal Care Review Board and corresponding time periods for animal forfeiture, and contact information to be collected when animal ownership or ongoing custodianship changes and that animal is the subject of an order. These regulations will support the bringing into force of amendments that will ultimately enable more efficient and effective operations and improve animal welfare in Ontario.
See attached document for further detail regarding the proposed regulations.
The ministry welcomes your comments and feedback.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
This proposal, if approved, would strengthen animal welfare protection and enforcement, and increase effectiveness and efficiencies, with no anticipated cost impacts or anticipated burdens for regulated entities (i.e., businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities, or the broader public sector).
Further Information:
Summary of Proposed PAWS Act Operational Regulations
Proposal Number:
23-SOLGEN014
Posting Date:
July 7, 2023
Comments Due Date:
August 21, 2023
Contact Address:
Ministry of the Solicitor General - 25 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, ON M7A 1Y6