Every year in Canada and around the world, thousands of cats and other animals are senslessly killed, tortured or maimed. Others are simply cast aside and disposed of as if they were garbage. Animal-lovers around the world MUST unite and speak out for these poor creatures who, just like ourselves, think and feel, but are unable to speak.

Animal cruelty laws in Canada haven't been looked at since 1892! The precious lives of cats, dogs and other animals, have been cut short by people who get their "kicks" torturing them. Here in Canada, there have been some heart-wrenching stories of animal cruelty. Here are just some of them.

Gatineau, Quebec - A cat was found suspended from the side of a trash bin in a part, duct-taped from head to paw

Scarborough, Ontario - A 10-month old Staffordshire was found wandering the streets. When spotted, the dog was so emaciated, he could hardly move, and his pelvic bone had penetrated the skin! He likely would have died in a couple of days.

Bowmanville - A female Rottweiler received cuts, a broken leg and a shattered tooth after being shot and thrown from a moving van in rush-hour traffic. She was suffering from starvation, a buckshot wound and a raw and bloodied neck.

Toronto, Ontario - A teacup poodle was slammed to the concrete by the owner's neighbour, simply because the dog defecated on his property. The poor little thing suffered brain stem injuries and will be an invalid for the rest of his life.

Alliston, Ontario - For some reason, more stories of animal cruelty are reported from this area than anywhere else in Canada. Some of the things that have happened here are:

- thirty cats and kittens were found in a field. Ten of the kittens died. This was contributed to a kitty mill

- A mother dog and her eight puppies were rescued from a garage in Shelburne

- Seven beagle puppies and a pregnant Dalmation were left to die in a barn infested with rats and without any food or water. These animals had so many intestinal parasites and mites in their lungs, they were gagging on them. Had they been there just a short while longer, they would have died. The Dalmation's puppies would have been born in manure

- Four puppies were found in a Shelburne area dump on Valentine's Day. It appeared the six-week old pups were born in a nearby forest and taken to the dump, where they were found searching for food. All puppies had serious injuries to their hind paws. Two of the puppies were missing one rear paw and two others were missing parts of their hind paws.

Due to the large number of letters, faxes, e-mails and petitions, our Canadian government has finally decided to take a look at changing our animal cruelty legislation. A recommendation was given to our Justice Minister, Anne McLellan this spring. Please e-mail her and tell her you want changes made to our animal cruelty legislation, and tougher penalties to those who are convicted. Under our current legislation, before a charge can even be laid, intent to cause cruelty or suffering has to be proven.

If you know of any instances of animal abuse here in Canada, PLEASE report it to your local Humane Society or SPCA.