Bill 22: Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2026

Anyone in Alberta who works with animals as part of their business will feel this bill directly — whether that's a farmer or rancher, a pet boarding or grooming facility, a livestock auction or slaughterhouse, an animal trainer, or a commercial transporter hauling livestock. Day-to-day activities like feeding, housing, transporting, and handling animals are now held to a broader and more detailed standard of care, including new requirements around exercise, natural behaviour, and minimizing fear or anxiety. Peace officers now have much wider authority to inspect facilities without a warrant, stop commercial vehicles, demand records, and take animals into custody — meaning businesses that keep, sell, or move animals could face inspections at any reasonable time. Corporations and their directors or officers can be held personally liable for offences, which matters whether you're running a solo operation or managing a larger agri-business or animal services company.