The Yukon Quest sled dog races depart Shipyards Park in Whitehorse on Feb. 11. Yukon dog mushers are an example of Yukoners affected by the Animal Protection and Control Act. | Article: DanaHatherly, Image:Jim Elliot - Yukon News - Yukon, Canada 
Yukon government seeks input on animal welfare, control
Environment minister had pledged to hold additional engagement on Animal Protection and Control Act
The Yukon government is seeking public feedback to come up with regulations intended to improve animal welfare and control in the territory.
Prior to a vote on Nov. 15, 2022, in the Yukon Legislative Assembly that saw Liberal and NDP MLAs vote together in favour of the Animal Protection and Control Act, Environment Minister Nils Clarke had pledged to move forward with additional engagement.
The new act is replacing and building on the Animal Protection Act, the Pounds Act and the Dogs Act.
According to Clarke, the act will set standards for the care and humane killing of animals, as well as provide a framework for managing which species of exotic animals may be owned in the Yukon and regulating the operation of animal rescues and pet stores.
While Brad Cathers, the Yukon Party MLA for Lake Laberge, noted there are “some good parts” in the legislation, the Yukon Party voted against it. Despite meetings and public engagement in 2018 and 2019, the Yukon Party called on the Yukon government to consult more before moving forward.
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