A New Law Protects Two Beloved Species From Being Held in Captivity
Canada’s Bill S-15 is making waves among animal activism groups celebrating a ban on the captivity of elephants and great apes. The bill prohibits the captivity and breeding of great apes and elephants in entertainment and performance. Licensed researchers, some welfare organizations, and conservation sanctuaries are exempt from this legislation. Additionally, animals already held or born in captivity will not be released but perhaps transported; the law solely bans their acquisition.
Why elephants and great apes exclusively? These animals demonstrate greater intelligence and socioemotional awareness compared to other mammals. For example, elephants have learned to paint, and apes have learned American Sign Language. Therefore, Canada hopes to promote humane animal treatment through the bill. Find out more about the contents of the bill here.
Government Bill (Senate) S-15 (44-1) - First Reading - An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act - Parliament of Canada
Government Bill (Senate) S-15 (44-1) - First Reading - An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act - Parliament of Canada
www.parl.ca
