Full Story at Globe and Mail 
 OTTAWA — Tough new cruelty-to-animal legislation passed in the House of Commons yesterday despite the objections of Canadian agricultural groups who fear it may pave the way for legal persecution of farmers.

“Animal-activist groups have come right out and said they will . . . push the absolute limits of this law,” said Kieran Green, a spokesman for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, which represents more than 200,000 farmers. “Activists have said . . . [they’ll] start hauling farmers into court.” 
 Under Bill C-15B, Canadians convicted of intentional cruelty to animals face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The current maximum penalties are six months in jail and fines of up to $2,000. The bill also allows for a lifetime ban on animal ownership in some cases and contains provisions that would force convicted abusers to pay the costs of caring for abused animals.