Industry News

Canada Raises Penalties for Plant Act and Animal Act Violations

11/02/2010


On October 27, 2010 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) issued regulations amending the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations. These amendments are aimed at reducing violations of the Health of Animals Act and the Plant Protection Act, including failing to meet animal welfare standards during transport and importing prohibited plants. The amendments increase the administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for violating these acts and allow officials to examine a five year history in order to apply higher AMPs to repeat offenders. The CFIA will have the ability to increase fines by up to fifty percent of the maximum fine for repeat offenders. The AMPs for first time violations are as follows:

Violations committed in the course of business:

  • $1,300 for a minor violation
  •  $6,000 for a serious violation
  •  $10,000 for a very serious violation

Violations committed other than in the course of business:

  •  $500 for a minor violation
  • $800 for a serious violation
  • $1,300 for a very serious violation

The CFIA is also in the process of updating the Health of Animals Regulations, which govern livestock transportation.