Bill C-84 amends the Criminal Code of Canada, primarily focusing on animal cruelty and related offenses. It defines "bestiality" as any contact for a sexual purpose with an animal. The bill broadens the scope of offenses related to animal fighting, including promoting, arranging, receiving money for, or participating in such activities. This expansion also includes the training, transporting, or breeding of animals for fighting or baiting. Furthermore, it broadens the offense related to cockpits to include any arena used for animal fighting.
The bill also includes provisions for court orders related to animal welfare. Courts can now prohibit offenders from owning or having custody of animals, or residing in the same premises as an animal, with a minimum prohibition of five years for repeat offenders. Additionally, the court can order offenders to pay the costs incurred by a person or organization that has cared for an animal as a result of the offense.
Finally, the definition of "designated offence" in the Criminal Code is amended to include bestiality, as defined in subsection 160(1).
Crime
This bill amends the Criminal Code, addressing offenses related to animal cruelty. It defines bestiality and expands the scope of offenses related to animal fighting. The bill also broadens the definition of what constitutes an illegal arena for animal fighting. It also allows courts to issue orders prohibiting offenders from owning animals and requiring them to pay for the care of animals harmed as a result of their offenses.