It takes a long time for the law to catch up to societal values, and animal law is no exception. Over the past decade Canada has seen this relatively unknown area of the law emerge, and it is finally here to stay. Lawyers and advocates are shaping the legal landscape to better protect animals. It is, however, two steps forward and one step backward.

Two steps forward includes the Canadian government making landmark amendments to animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code for the first time since the 1800s, including a ban on keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises in captivity, and on the sale and distribution of shark fin products; closing loopholes dealing with bestiality; and tougher animal fighting provisions. For years, animal rights advocates have protested, attended city council meetings and written to various government officials (including my legal opinion for the City of Port Moody; in 2012, it became the first city in British Columbia to ban the sale of shark fin products); and we have made documentaries. The federal government has finally listened.

Various cities, too, are passing better laws for animals. These include the recent ban on horse-drawn carriages in Montreal, and on private fireworks (which frighten dogs, cats and wildlife) in Vancouver. Ontario is reconsidering its ineffective and inhumane ban on pit bulls, and passed the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS), which will carry the highest penalties for animal cruelty in the country. British Columbia also passed a ban on grizzly bear trophy hunting, and after hearing from animal advocates, including the Tri-Cities Bear Aware group (of which I am a proud member) and Get Bear Smart Society, Port Moody and other cities have increased their fines for irresponsible behaviour leading to bear deaths.

I have also seen tremendous wins in the courtroom, where courts have recognized that the best interests of animals must be considered in pet custody disputes; judges allowing dogs who have caused injury to be given a second chance at a better life; and lifetime bans on owning animals for those convicted of animal cruelty.

Other wins have included courts recognizing psychological suffering in animals, using language such as “family member” to describe a pet, allowing animal protection groups to sue the government (such as in a recent horse slaughter case brought on behalf of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition), and courts agreeing that animals are a special type of “property” that should be treated differently and afforded protection.