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Animal crueltyVerified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text. Last verified: 2026-10-19.
Statutory range
s. 445.1 — causing unnecessary suffering; fighting/baiting; poison — indictable
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 5 years
- Fine
- No fine stated
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
s. 445.1(2)(a).
s. 445.1 — causing unnecessary suffering; fighting/baiting; poison — summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years less a day
- Fine
- Fine $0–$10,000
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
s. 445.1(2)(b).
s. 447 — arena for animal fighting — indictable
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 5 years
- Fine
- No fine stated
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
s. 447(2)(a).
s. 447 — arena for animal fighting — summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years less a day
- Fine
- Fine $0–$10,000
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
s. 447(2)(b).
Both sections state an express summary penalty (fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to two years less a day), which is used instead of the s. 787 default.