A Lifetime of Urban Animal Achievement Celebrated

Keith Burgess, Paul Melanson

For more than a decade dedicated to the welfare of urban animals and communities, former New Brunswick Chief Animal Protection Officer, Paul Edward Melanson, received national recognition from his peers in the shape of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Summit Award. 

The Summit Award for Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by PetLynx, recognizes an individual who has earned the honour and respect of peers in the Urban Animal Industry for achievements in their field of endeavour. Melanson was presented personally with his award when the 2013 Summit Award Tour stopped in Cambridge, Ontario. 

Melanson joined the NBSPCA in 1999 as the organization was undergoing an intense period of renewal and professionalization. In 2000, after several years of negotiating with the Provincial Government, a revised provincial SPCA Act was proclaimed that gave the Society and its officers additional enforcement authority and responsibility. Melanson was recruited by the NBSPCA to become Chief APO (also with the title Chief Inspector) for the Province, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. 

"We had the privilege of working with Paul for many years and always appreciated his broad vision and tenacity to do what needed to be done.  Despite countless barriers Paul always stayed the course and achieved great things for the welfare of his staff and the animals of New Brunswick," Susan Dankert, PIJAC Canada.

During his tenure as Chief, Melanson implemented Standard Operating Procedures and specialized officer training, increased staff and animal safety and lobbied the provincial government for tougher animal protection legislation. Melanson worked  tirelessly to build relationships with the provincial police, RCMP, and crown prosecutors to fight for stronger animal protection legislation and better support for the NBSPCA. Despite severe financial challenges and a seemingly indifferent government, Melanson's efforts paid off when, in June 2010, the Province of New Brunswick introduced legislation to license and regulate pet establishments, a first in Canada.