Canada’s Criminal Justice System is fundamental to safeguarding the safety, wellbeing, and productivity of Canadians. When we trust our justice system, our communities become safer, our quality of life rises, and we contribute more fully to Canada’s prosperity.
Research consistently demonstrates a direct correlation between animal violence and human violence—a pattern known as the Violence Link.. Incidents of partner violence, gang violence, youth crime, organized crime, assault, homicide, sexual abuse, child abuse, weapons offenses, and illicit drug activity often include animal abuse. This underscores the deep connection between animal health and human health.
As criminal justice professionals, it is imperative to recognize that cruelty to animals, the use of animals to victimize vulnerable individuals, and the humane treatment of animals under human care are not just ethical concerns—they are critical elements of our justice system and the laws that support it. To truly protect our communities, we must actively address these issues within our professional practice.
We urge all stakeholders—law enforcement, victim services, social services, the judiciary, and animal care professionals—to seek training and resources on the Violence Link. A collaborative, holistic approach has proven to improve outcomes for both people and animals. Prosecutors, in particular, play a vital role and should pursue specialized knowledge on effectively prosecuting animal abuse cases and understanding the Violence Link.
Humane Canada’s Justice and Legislative Affairs Program (formerly the Criminal Justice System Reform Program) is designed to empower criminal justice professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to make a real difference. Through initiatives like the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty (NCPAC) and the Canadian Violence Link Coalition (CVLC), as well as ongoing legislative and policy advocacy, Humane Canada provides evidence-based training, resources, and a supportive community for professionals committed to improving the justice system’s response to animal welfare and violence.
We encourage all criminal justice professionals to engage with Humane Canada’s groundbreaking Justice and Legislative Affairs Program, leverage these resources, and champion the integration of animal welfare into your work. Together, we can strengthen our justice system and build safer, more compassionate communities across Canada.
