06/03/2026
This is good news. However, it remains to be seen how this will affect animal rescues, especially smaller ones like us. While we are all for licensing - we hope that the fees are kept to a minimum for non-profits. It is already costing us hundreds of dollars (or more) each year to keep running.
Today is a good day for animals in Manitoba.
Bill 19 has officially passed, bringing stronger animal welfare laws, increased penalties for cruelty, more authority for inspectors, and greater accountability for people who neglect or abuse animals.
No law is perfect, and there is still work ahead, especially for northern and Indigenous communities that continue to face barriers to veterinary care and animal services. But stronger legislation gives us more tools to protect animals and hold people accountable.
Real change happens when education, access to veterinary care, responsible ownership, enforcement, and strong laws work together.
Today, Manitoba’s government took an important step toward better protection for animals.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up, shared their experiences, and helped make animal welfare a priority!!!!
The legislation includes:
• Licensing requirements for people who sell or transfer pet animals, unless exempted by regulation.
• Increased penalties for animal cruelty offences, including fines of up to $100,000 for repeat offenders and potential jail time.
• Stronger authority for inspectors and courts dealing with animal welfare cases.
• The ability to incorporate recognized animal welfare standards, codes, and guidelines into regulations.
• Expanded court orders for situations where owners have more animals than they can properly care for.
The regulations and exemptions have not yet been released and will determine how some of these changes are applied.
Source: Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Bill 19, The Animal Care Amendment Act.
