Should Fines Double for Harming Police Dogs and Horses?

Official title: The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025 - Proposed Amendments to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 to Increase Penalties for Harming Animals that Work with Peace Officers

Open Legislation Health & Safety Justice & Rights
Ontario wants to double the minimum fine for harming police dogs, horses, and other animals that work with peace officers. Right now, the minimum is $25,000—this would jump to $50,000. Maximum fines would also increase, hitting $260,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations.

Why This Matters

Police dogs and horses help keep communities safe during searches, crowd control, and arrests. When someone hurts these animals, it's not just animal cruelty—it can put officers and the public at risk. This proposal asks whether tougher fines would better deter attacks on these working animals.

What Could Change

Minimum fines would double from $25,000 to $50,000. Maximum fines for individuals would rise to $260,000 regardless of whether it's a first offence. Corporations could face up to $1 million. These changes only apply to animals working with peace officers—service animal penalties stay the same.

Key Issues

  • Should the minimum fine for harming police animals double from $25,000 to $50,000?
  • Should maximum fines increase to $260,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations?
  • Will higher fines effectively deter attacks on animals that work with peace officers?

How to Participate

  1. Review Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025 to understand the current law and proposed changes.
  2. Submit your comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario posting before December 29, 2025.

Key Documents