Bill 156

Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act

Bill 156, Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act (STPFSA), is an Ontario law that protects farm animals, the food supply, farmers and others in Ontario from risks that are created when:

• Trespassers enter places where farm animals are kept; or
• When persons engage in unsafe, unauthorized interactions with farm animals and transport vehicles.

The Act was passed by the Ontario Legislature on June 17, 2020. It received Royal Assent on June 18th, 2020. Sections of the Act were proclaimed into force and effect on September 2, 2020. On December 4, 2020, the Ontario government announced the proclamation of the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020. The Act came into force on December 5, 2020.

The risks of trespass and unauthorized interactions include

• Exposing farm animals to disease and stress
• Introducing contaminants into the food supply
• Human and animal injury

The Act allows for the creation of animal protection “zones” on farms and processing facilities. These zones include animal enclosures, and other areas marked with signs in accordance with regulations. The Act provides deterrents to trespass, including escalating fines of up to $15,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences. It also protects farmers against civil liability from people who get hurt while trespassing, as long as there was no intent to do harm.

The Act requires a person to have prior consent before entering into an animal protection zone. The intent is to ensure animals are protected from being exposed to stress and disease by trespassers.

The Act prohibits interfering with a motor vehicle that is transporting farm animals.

A non-abrogation and non-derogation provision was added to Section 4 of the act to address Aboriginal and treaty rights. A specific exemption for people lawfully exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights was added to Sections 5 and 6 of the Act.