Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2026
Sponsored by Kerzner, Hon. Michael S. · Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2026, chapter 7
- Amends seven Ontario laws covering animal research and welfare, bail enforcement, coroners' inquests, dangerous driving penalties, police record checks, and a scholarship fund for fallen public safety officers' families.
- Overall aims include tightening bail lien collection, increasing penalties for dangerous drivers and animal harm, and adding new protections and procedures across justice and animal welfare systems.
- Prohibits invasive medical research on cats, dogs and other prescribed animals, with specific exceptions.
- Other research on these animals is banned unless specific conditions are met.
- Sets out animal care committee roles and bans breeding cats/dogs for research at supply facilities.
- Establishes minor and major offences with maximum penalties, plus technical registration changes.
- Certificates of lien are now registered against land in the land registry office, not sent to the sheriff.
- Crown may enforce unpaid surety debts by selling the registered property.