VICTORIA— New Democrats are asking why Premier Christy Clark is blocking legislation that would protect animals in distress.

New Democrat MLA Selina Robinson put forward the Distressed Animals Act on May 3, legislation that would take concrete steps to protect pets from dying in hot vehicles.

“That legislation could have come forward for discussion and approval this week, however the Clark government won’t allow it to move forward,” said Robinson. “While the New Democrats are happy to see the premier voice her support to the issue, it’s very disappointing that the Clark government is also blocking legislation that would actually protect animals.”

Robinson said we cannot have another summer with animals dying while left alone in hot vehicles, it is time to act. The legislation would amend the Community Charter and the Vancouver Charter permitting bylaw enforcement to seize animals in distress where there is inadequate ventilation in a vehicle and it amends the Motor Vehicle Act noting that a person commits an offence if they are transporting an animal without providing for adequate ventilation.

In 2013, the BC SPCA received 850 calls regarding animals left in hot cars, and in 2014, they received well over 1,000 calls.

“The BC SPCA only has 26 special provincial constables working across B.C. and must liaise with the RCMP and municipal bylaw enforcement to respond to these urgent calls,” said Robinson.

Here is a link to the Distressed Animals Act – 2016