Where does government fit?

Manitoba residents recently learned the provincial government silently suspended the licensing requirement for dog breeders over a year ago.

Wayne Lees, Manitoba's chief veterinary officer told CBC News his office was too busy with animal welfare cases to take on licensing right now.    

Earlier this month, InfoStream reported the Nova Scotia SPCA would cease its animal enforcement and cruelty investigations due to lack of provincial funds. In response to this announcement, CTV initiated an online poll asking the question: "Whose responsibility is it to fund SPCA enforcement of animal cruelty laws?"

Over 2,400 people responded to the poll, the majority (52%) answering, "It's up to the government." 

Collaboration has been a longstanding mantra of the Urban Animal Strategies program. Perhaps now more than ever, industry and government need to agree on the roles, the funding and the execution of the services required to create a meaningful and collaborative future for the citizens they serve.

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