Ontario Regulation 315/23, made under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, introduces amendments aimed at improving the governance of animal ownership and welfare within the province.

One of the objectives of Regulation 315/23 is to clarify the requirements for contact information when there is a change in ownership or ongoing custody of an animal. This is particularly significant in ensuring accountability and traceability in animal welfare cases. The regulation outlines specific requirements for individuals and businesses assuming ownership or custody of animals.

For individual owners, the regulation prescribes the following contact information:

• • • Legal name
    • Usual name (if different)
    • Residential address
    • Mailing address (if different)
    • Primary phone number (if any)
    • Primary email address (if any)

In the case where the new owner is a business, the required information is slightly different but equally detailed. Businesses must provide:

• • • Legal name of the business
    • Any operating names
    • Address of the business location
    • Mailing address (if different)
    • Primary phone number (if any)
    • Primary email address (if any)
    • Name and contact information of a designated person who can address inquiries related to the animal.

This detailed information aims to ensure that authorities have accessible data about individuals and businesses responsible for animal custody, thereby enhancing the overall animal welfare framework in Ontario.

Regulation 315/23 makes adjustments to previously established timelines. Specifically, it amends the existing regulation by changing references from “10” to “15” in subsections 1 (1) and (2). This change extends the timeframe in which certain actions must be taken, allowing more flexibility for compliance. Ontario aims to foster a culture of responsibility and care for animals, contributing to the overarching goals of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.

Ontario (315/23) October 10, 2023