Bill 19: The Animal Care Amendment Act

This bill directly affects anyone in Manitoba who breeds, sells, rehomes, or advertises companion animals — think pet breeders operating out of their home or small kennel, pet shop owners, rescue organizations that adopt out animals, and even individual sellers who regularly list pets online. Previously, licensing rules were tied to specific premises like kennels or retail pet stores; now the licence follows the activity of selling or transferring pet animals regardless of where or how it happens. Businesses will need to apply for a licence, display it, maintain detailed records of animal transactions, submit reports to the director, and pay prescribed fees — adding an ongoing compliance layer to what was often an informal or self-regulated operation. The stakes are also much higher now: a first offence can result in a $20,000 fine or jail time, and repeat violations can bring fines up to $100,000.