Updated Feb. 28 at 1:54 p.m.
Nova Scotians can be confident that domestic animals will be protected against cruelty with $100,000 in additional funding that was requested being provided by the Department of Agriculture to the Nova Scotia SPCA.
"Animal safety is paramount and this additional funding for animal cruelty investigations for domestic animals will enable the SPCA to continue this work," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "The welfare of animals is a shared responsibility and I appreciate the work that the SPCA and others in the community do."
This is in addition to the annual funding and in-kind support the SPCA now receives from the department.
In a press release, executive director of the Nova Scotia SPCA, Kristin Williams, said she is delighted that government will be providing this much needed funding to support investigations and the enforcement program. She said the funding will allow the Nova Scotia SPCA to continue to provide a life-saving service which addresses the diverse needs of Nova Scotians by responding to allegations of abuse, neglect and cruelty.
“We always felt that the Province was an important partner for the Nova Scotia SPCA, and we look forward to building that partnership as we advance these conversations and collaborate on this important work” said 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.”
Agriculture will continue to be responsible for farm animal inspections and investigations as it has been since 2008. At that time, the department and SPCA mutually agreed that the department should take back responsibility for farm animals from the SPCA.
"The Department of Agriculture staff are doing a very professional and efficient job with the farm animal investigations," said Dexter. "The farming community has been pleased with how it has worked out."
