TORONTO - The Ontario government is getting ready to bring in new rules for roadside zoos and tougher penalties for people who abuse animals.
The Canadian Press has learned the Liberals are poised to overhaul the Ontario SPCA Act after the house resumes sitting next week.
The act hasn't been updated in almost 90 years.
The new legislation is expected to set standards of care for small zoos and give the provincial SPCA the right to go in and inspect the operations.
It will also likely ensure there are tougher consequences for people who abuse animals by making it an offence to hurt an animal.
Ontario has been criticized for lagging behind other provinces when it comes to animal safety and the regulation of roadside zoos.
