July 22, 2015 – Bass River, Nova Scotia – Department of Justice.
Today, Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Central Nova Peter MacKay, joined by Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Muquodoboit Valley Scott Armstrong, met with local law enforcement officials and members of the community to celebrate a new law aimed at denouncing and deterring the wilful harming of animals trained and being used to help police protect public safety and keep communities safe. The event took place at the Cobequid Veteran's Memorial Park, where the Forgotten Heroes Monument stands in memory of service animals that lost their lives in the line of duty. The Justice for Animals in Service Act (Quanto's Law) received Royal Assent and came into force on June 23, 2015.
Quanto was an Edmonton Police Service dog that was stabbed to death while helping to apprehend a fleeing suspect in October 2013. Quanto had four years of decorated service and had participated in more than 100 arrests. The enactment of this legislation fulfills a commitment made by the Government in the October 2013 Speech from the Throne to enact legislation in honour of the daily risks taken by police officers and their service animals.
The legislation also enhances protection for specially trained service animals that assist persons with disabilities, such as guide dogs for the blind, as well as those that aid members of the Canadian Armed Forces in carrying out their duties.
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