Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Animal Protection Act comes into force in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia (Friday, January 22, 2010) –The Governor in Council on recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture has declared that The Animal Protection Act of 2008 be proclaimed and come into force in the province of Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia SPCA is mandated to enforce the new provincial legislation and to investigate matters of suspected cruelty, abuse and neglect. The new legislation takes effect immediately.

The key changes to the legislation include:

• The division of farm animals from companion animals, so that the Nova Scotia SPCA and Department of Agriculture can work collaboratively on improving animal welfare in all environments with increased resources.
• A requirement for veterinarians to report alleged abuse, neglect and cruelty.
• Stiffer penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty.

For a first offence, a guilty party may face a fine of up to $10,000 and in default of payment imprisonment for a term of up to six months or a combination of fine and imprisonment. Subsequent offences can carry fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment or both.

###

LEGISLATION

An Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/PDFs/annual%20statutes/2008%20Fall/c033.pdf

QUOTES

"The new legislation is a great step forward for Nova Scotia and animal welfare. The new legislation will have a positive effect on our ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare, combat animal cruelty and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. The Nova Scotia SPCA and its network of 11 Branches look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Nova Scotians and addressing concerns for the well-being and humane treatment of all animals."
Credit: Kat Horne, Vice President, Nova Scotia SPCA Board of Directors

"The Nova Scotia SPCA is pleased to have more progressive provincial animal welfare legislation. With the establishment of stiffer penalties and other important inclusions, the SPCA can now be even more responsive to the needs of the animals in this province. Nova Scotia now has some of the toughest animal welfare legislation in the country."
Credit: Kristin Williams, Executive Director, Nova Scotia SPCA

"In addition to responding to allegations of cruelty and abuse, over the next couple of months, the Inspectorate of the Nova Scotia SPCA will be focused on educating the public and soliciting voluntary compliance. The Society wants to ensure that the public understands the legislation and appreciates their responsibilities as pet owners and care providers."
Credit: Roger Joyce, Chief Provincial Investigator, Nova Scotia SPCA

MEDIA CONTACT
media@spcans.ca
902-835-4798
www.spcans.ca

ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA
Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of 11 Branches, which relies primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Animal Cruelty Prevention Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province.