SUDBURY -- Ontario has put together a group of experts to help develop regulations under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act that came into effect in January.

"The legislation, which came into force in January, includes the strongest penalties in Canada for people who neglect and abuse animals and established Ontario as the first jurisdiction in the country to create a fully provincially-operated enforcement system," said the province in a news release Monday.

The advisory table includes veterinarians and animal advocates from various organizations with expertise in agriculture, enforcement, industry, health care and sheltering. Members will help inform the development of new regulations concerning animals in the province.

"We have made Ontario the national leader in the protection of animals and are committed to building on the work we've already done," said Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. "Having launched Canada's first provincial government-based enforcement model, recruited inspectors and introduced the toughest penalties for animal abuse in the country, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the best protection and support for animals. I look forward to hearing the advice of this table of experts."

Members include:

• Dr. Kendra Coulter, an associate professor at Brock University, who is recognized globally as a leading analyst on animal labour and an expert on animal care and protection

• Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph at University of Guelph, a not-for-profit centre the serves the horse industry

• Animal Alliance of Canada, an animal protection group

• Association of Animal Shelter Administrators of Ontario, that focuses on the management and operation of animal care, control and welfare organizations

• Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, private group representing zoological parks and aquariums

• College of Veterinarians of Ontario, regulatory body of the province's vets

• Humane Canada, Canada's federation of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and humane societies

• Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, a group of police leaders

• Ontario Federation of Agriculture, represents Ontario farm families

• Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, a group that represents veterinarians from across the province

• World Animal Protection, an advocacy group focused on ending needless suffering of animals

According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, more than 35,600 calls were received by the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30.

Concerns about an animal in distress or abuse can be reported to the centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).