A silver lining for animals in last week's Supreme Court decision
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 30 March 2017 20:45
- Written by editor
Dear PAOV,
The Supreme Court of Canada sent shock waves around the world
last week when it ruled that most forms of bestiality are legal in
Canada. According to the Court, sexually abusing animals is only a crime if the abuse involves
intercourse.
Animal Justice intervened in the disturbing court case last November to
speak up for the animals. Like you, we wish the result had been
different.
But
there's good news, too. Many parts of the decision are
actually extremely positive for animals, and we know that Animal Justice
made a huge... difference by intervening.
First, it was a split decision.
Justice Rosalie Abella wrote a strong dissent that accepted most of
our arguments. She stated that it was obvious that the law should make all
forms of bestiality illegal.
Second, the majority and the dissent opinions
both mentioned the importance of protecting vulnerable animals
. This is the first time ever that the Supreme Court has recognized
society's long-standing and growing concern with the welfare of
animals. It's an incredible development for the field animal law,
and it's a precedent that animal lawyers can rely on in future
cases.
This recognition that animals matter is
thanks to Animal Justice's intervention. The lawyers in
the case wouldn't even admit that the offence of bestiality exists
to protect animals. Without Animal Justice in the
courtroom to remind judges that animals matter, it could have been much
worse.
I know this case will ultimately help animal lawyers make more
progress in the future, and I want to thank you for helping us fight
it. Animal Justice's work depends completely on the generosity of
our incredible supporters like you. Without you, our life-saving work
wouldn't be possible.
In gratitude,Camille Labchuk, Executive Director P.S. If you'd like to learn more about what this decision means, my co-counsel in the case, Peter Sankoff, breaks the decision down in an excellent video blog. DONATE
Animal Justice leads the
legal fight for animal protection in Canada. Our lawyers work to pass strong
new animal protection laws, push to prosecute animal abusers, and fight
on behalf of animals in court.Visit www.animaljustice.ca to learn more. 5700-100 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
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