Animal Justice had been following this case for well over a year, and when we saw it was headed to the Supreme Court, we knew we had to try to intervene. Otherwise, the judges might never have heard the perspective of the countless animals who have no voices of their own. As the only organization focused on the legal fight for animal protection, Animal Justice couldn't let this happen.

This was our first ever intervention in a court case, and it's amazing that our first time would be at the highest court in the country.

We got to work, made our case as strong as it could be, and prepared for the big day.

On Monday morning, Peter and I arrived bright and early at the courthouse, put on our legal robes, and waited for court to begin. The courtroom was packed with media, supporters, lawyers, and law students who came to watch the hearing.

When it was our turn, Peter argued that protecting animals is a key goal of Canadian criminal law. And on top of that, interpreting a crime involving sexual abuse of animals must take into account modern societal moral values, especially protecting vulnerable animals from exploitation to which they cannot consent.

The energy in the courtroom was palpable.

It was the first time in Canadian history that animal advocates had stood before the country's highest court and argued that animals deserve legal protection.

The Court won't release a decision for a few months, and it's impossible to predict how the judges will rule. But it was a huge victory simply to be there in the first place. This is the first time the Court is considering a law that directly protects animals from harm, and our legal arguments could make all the difference.

If the Court doesn't rule the way we want, we won't give up. We'll take the fight to Parliament, and demand that the new government take swift action to ensure our laws protect animals from sexual abuse in any way, shape, or form.

Thank you for making this appeal possible. Whether you donated to help us fund this important case, volunteered, or provided moral support, we couldn't have done it without you.

Camille Labchuk

Executive Director, Animal Justice

Animal Justice Canada is a charity dedicated to advancing public knowledge of animal practices and preventing the abuse and killing of animals through the enforcement of existing laws.

Animal Justice Canada Legislative Fund is a national not-for-profit advocating for the humane treatment of animals.

Visit www.animaljustice.ca to learn more about our work.

Animal Justice
5700-100 King Street West
Toronto Ontario M5X 1C7
Canada

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