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.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Nova Scotia Announces Funding For SPCA

The Nova Scotia SPCA announced today the Government of Nova Scotia will fund the investigations and enforcement program which was jeopardized earlier this year. 

“We always felt that the Province was an important partner for the Nova Scotia SPCA, and we look forward to building this partnership as we advance these conversations and collaborate on this important work” said Executive Director of the Nova Scotia SPCA, Kristin Williams. “We are also deeply humbled by the support of the community who clearly care about the animals in the province that we are privileged to serve.”

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

The Nova Scotia SPCA will participate in meetings with the Agriculture Department next week to determine the final details of the funding agreement. This announcement reverses the decision reported earlier by InfoStream.