OFA has provided comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General on proposed amendments to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act , 2019 to increase penalties for harming animals that work with Peace Officers.
OFA supports the proposed amendments to the PAWS Act that increase penalties for harming service animals working with peace officers, recognizing the value of clear protections for these animals and their handlers. However, OFA emphasizes that PAWS Act amendments have been incremental and largely focused on companion animals, leaving longstanding livestock-related issues unresolved since the Act came into force in 2020. OFA argues that a one-size-fits-all enforcement model is poorly suited to commercial livestock agriculture and has led to disproportionate impacts on farmers without consistently improving animal welfare. OFA calls for a comprehensive review of the PAWS framework as it applies to livestock, including seizure practices, cost recovery, enforcement tools, use of livestock expertise, and clear differentiation between companion animals and farm animals. OFA urges the Ministry of the Solicitor General to commit to a structured review and meaningful engagement with the agricultural community to ensure the Act functions effectively for all animals.