By Cristin Schmitz (November 24, 2023, 4:04 PM EST) -- The federal government has proposed animal welfare legislation that would amend the federal wildlife trade statute, as well as the animal cruelty section of the Criminal Code to prohibit new ownership in Canada of captive elephants and great apes, including breeding, unless a permit or license has been issued by the federal environment minister for either the best interests of the animal’s welfare or conservation, or scientific research (subject to potential conditions)....