Canada's animal welfare legislation 'extremely outdated'

When it comes to animal welfare, Canada has been given a "D" rating.

The organization World Animal Protection has published an index that rates50 countries based on their animal protection laws.

The report criticizes Canada for having outdated federal anti-cruelty legislation.

As a whole, the system is extremely outdated.- Jamie Parker, Bright Eyes Dog Rescue

Jamie Parker, executive director of Bright Eyes Dog Rescue in Regina, said the animal protection laws have not kept up with the times.

"As a whole, the system is extremely outdated," Parker said. "The basic guidelines for an animal being well-cared for areif it has food, water and shelter."

However the definition of shelter leaves a lot to be desired, Parker said.

"It could be as little as a piece of plywood stacked on two milk crates and that's shelter."

Parker said it'sdifficult for people working for the system.

"Their hands are tied," Parker said. "They can only do what the law allows them.People on the other end on the complainant's end or the concerned citizen end are going, 'Why can't you do more?'"

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the government takes the issue seriously.

Only the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, and New Zealand scored "A" grades on the index.