Alberta to increase maximum fine for animal abuse, allow inspections at groomers
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
EDMONTON – Those found guilty of neglecting or abusing animals in Alberta could soon face much stiffer penalties.
A bill tabled by Agriculture Minister R.J. Sigurdson would, if passed, increase the maximum fine to $250,000, up from $20,000.
For serious offences the bill would also allow the courts to impose jail sentences of up to one year.
It also looks to expand the definition of distress or abandonment and would allow peace officers to inspect more additional facilities, including grooming businesses and boarding houses.
The bill would also allow court orders issued in other provinces that prevent people from owning or caring for animals to be enforced in Alberta.
Sigurdson says animals deserve to be protected and treated with respect.
“Beyond updating the legislation, it sends a clear message that protecting animals is a top priority,” he said in a statement Monday.
“Alberta is dedicated to ensuring all animals are treated with respect and protected by these safeguards.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2026.