The Nova Scotia SPCA announced yesterday it will be meeting with Minister Keith Colwell in early 2014 to discuss the current animal welfare legislation.
With this meeting, the NS SPCA plans to improve the Animal Protection Act, under which it is empowered to investigate complaints of animal cruelty.
"We laud Minister of Agriculture, Keith Colwell's decision to review the Animal Protection Act," said the NS SPCA in a news release. "As the largest animal welfare organization in Nova Scotia that accepts thousands of animals through it's branches every year, we look forward to building a collaborative working relationship with Minster Colwell and his department on any proposed changes to the legislation at our scheduled meeting for early in the new year. We are also hopeful that moving forward we will have the level of support required from government so that we can provide the appropriate level of protection to all animals in our province."
Showing posts with label Keith Colwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keith Colwell. Show all posts
20 December 2013
NS SPCA requires government funding and tougher legislation
The Government of Nova Scotia has proposed tougher animal welfare regulations after a dog named Buddy, a husky mix who lived isolated and alone, tied to a doghouse for 7 years, was euthanized over the weekend.
Minister of Agriculture, Keith Colwell, is responsible for animal cruelty enforcement in Nova Scotia and a self-professed dog lover. Earlier this week, he told Global News he is currently working with stakeholders to create updated regulations on animal cruelty - including tethering and minimum standards of care - as part of legislation passed during the previous government. Colwell also included cats in the updates to the legislation.
The Nova Scotia SPCA responded with a press release stating that while it was pleased with Colwell's response, it would like to work more closely with the Government to ensure the regulations are properly enforced.
"With regards to the Minister’s comments concerning funding the SPCA’s enforcement of the Animal Protection Act, we hope that the Department of Agriculture recognizes the benefit of partnering with the SPCA," reads the release. "This applies to not only the enforcement of the legislation, but also in allowing us to provide input as to what regulations would be the most effective in preventing dogs like Buddy from suffering in the future."
The NS SPCA relies on the generosity of the public and currently receives no government funding. To achieve Colwell's commitments, the SPCA requires consistent financial support from the government and tougher regulations in the current legislation to better protect animals.
“We believe that we have the knowledge and skill set to continue to provide oversight and act as the primary resource for enforcement. In recent years, the Society has invested heavily in creating a database that logs all calls, complaints and offences. This allows us to monitor and track cases on an on going basis,” said Nova Scotia SPCA CEO, Elizabeth Murphy.
Minister of Agriculture, Keith Colwell, is responsible for animal cruelty enforcement in Nova Scotia and a self-professed dog lover. Earlier this week, he told Global News he is currently working with stakeholders to create updated regulations on animal cruelty - including tethering and minimum standards of care - as part of legislation passed during the previous government. Colwell also included cats in the updates to the legislation.
The Nova Scotia SPCA responded with a press release stating that while it was pleased with Colwell's response, it would like to work more closely with the Government to ensure the regulations are properly enforced.
"With regards to the Minister’s comments concerning funding the SPCA’s enforcement of the Animal Protection Act, we hope that the Department of Agriculture recognizes the benefit of partnering with the SPCA," reads the release. "This applies to not only the enforcement of the legislation, but also in allowing us to provide input as to what regulations would be the most effective in preventing dogs like Buddy from suffering in the future."
The NS SPCA relies on the generosity of the public and currently receives no government funding. To achieve Colwell's commitments, the SPCA requires consistent financial support from the government and tougher regulations in the current legislation to better protect animals.
“We believe that we have the knowledge and skill set to continue to provide oversight and act as the primary resource for enforcement. In recent years, the Society has invested heavily in creating a database that logs all calls, complaints and offences. This allows us to monitor and track cases on an on going basis,” said Nova Scotia SPCA CEO, Elizabeth Murphy.
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