Humane Canada: Animal Welfare Elevated Since 1957

Humane Canada works diligently to earn our solid reputation as the national voice for animal welfare in Canada. Below are a few of the highlights of our achievements since our organization was founded on August 7, 1957.

Humane Canada works diligently as the national voice for animal welfare in Canada. We are proud to share significant highlights of our achievements to drive positive, progressive change to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection and promote the humane treatment of animals since our organization was founded in 1957.

A few of our highlights include: 

2023: On June 22, Bill C-47 passed the Senate to become law, which includes a ban on cosmetic animal testing and trade! Earlier this same month, Bill S-5 became law, which phases out toxic chemical testing on animals.

2022: Bill S-5 passes in the Senate and is an act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, phasing out chemical testing on animals.

2020: Launched the “Measuring Progress Toward a Humane Canada” indicators report.

2019: Canada’s Free Willy Law, Bill C-203, bans the captivity of whales and dolphins. In addition, this important bill also bans breeding of captive whales and dolphins.

2019:  Bill C-84 modernized. The legal term ‘bestiality: now refers to all sexual abuse of animals, not just the act of penetration. Bill C-84 signals Canada’s new priority on fighting animal crimes. 

2017:  National ban of battery cages & introduction of cage-free standards for hens

2016:  Launch of Canada’s only bilingual animal cruelty case law database

2016:  First-ever national report on SPCAs and humane societies in Canada

2015:  Founding of National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty (NCPAC)

2015:  Secured greater protections for police, military & service animals in Canada via Quanto’s Law

2014:  Creation of the National Animal Welfare Conference

2013:  Creation of Canadian Standards of Care for Shelter Animals

2012:  First-ever national report on cat welfare in Canada

2007:  Revisions to animal cruelty provisions in Criminal Code

2005:  Founding of National Farm Animal Care Council

1998:  Report to Parliament on amending the Criminal Code

1995:  Began harmonizing pet microchipping systems across Canada

1995:  Founded National Companion Animal Coalition

1994:  Regulations on import of puppies from the US

1980s: Founding of Canada’s Codes of Practice for Farm Animals

1970:  Passing of Animal Transport Act

1968:  Founding of Canadian Council on Animal Care

1960:  Creation of Humane Slaughter Act

1957:  Founding of Humane Canada