This indicates that the highest s
tandard mens rea is required for these offences. However, section 429(1), which applies to the cruelty to animals offences, states that every
one “who causes the occurrence of an event by doing an act or by omitting to do an act that it is his duty to do, knowing that the act or omission will probably cause th
e occurrence of the event and being reckless whether the event occurs or not, shall be deeme
...[+++]d.wilfully to have caused the occurrence of the event”.
Cependant, le paragraphe 429(1), qui s’applique aux infractions relatives à la cruauté envers les animaux, dispose que « quiconque cause la production d’un événement en accomplissant un acte, ou en omettant d’accomplir un acte qu’il est tenu d’accomplir, sachant que cet acte ou cette omission causera probablement la production de l’événement et sans se soucier que l’événement se produise ou non, est [.] réputé avoir causé volontairement la production de l’événement ».