The Nova Scotia SPCA is empowered under the provincial Animal Protection Act to investigate complaints of animal cruelty; help secure the arrest, conviction and punishment of all persons violating the Act; and, when necessary, seize animals from situations of cruelty or neglect.
Farm animal complaints should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture, by calling 902-896-2299 or by visiting www.gov.ns.ca to learn more.
The Nova Scotia SPCA employs three paid Cruelty Investigators and several volunteer Special Constables to carry out its mandate of
preventing and investigating animal cruelty. The Nova Scotia SPCA investigated 1,522 cruelty complaints in 2009, up from 17% from 2008.
Animal cruelty is a CRIME. It can mean many different acts, from abandonment or neglect to abuse or killing.
Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
Unexplained wounds, patches of missing fur, lameness
Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
Being hit or beaten by a hand or object
Sick or injured but not under a vet’s care
Environmental Signs
Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
Pets living in unsanitary conditions
Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals
Animal “hoarders” - people who collect too many animals to properly care for them
Click Reporting Cruelty from the menu on the left to find out how to report possible cruelty.
What happens to mistreated animals?
Nova Scotia SPCA Investigators and Special Constables have the authority of peace officers when enforcing laws pertaining to animal welfare and cruelty prevention. Upon finding an animal in distress, if the owner or caretaker does not act or cannot be found, Special Constables are permitted to take such action as they consider necessary to relieve the distress. This may include:
Taking the animal into protective custody;
Arranging for any necessary transportation, food, water, care, shelter and medical treatment; or
Delivering the animal into the custody of the Society or another suitable caretaker.
Individuals found guilty of animal cruelty may be charged and fined up to $5000 and/or receive a jail term of up to six months and/or may be prohibited from owning animals for life.
Cruelty Investigator Profiles (click to enlarge)
Nancy Noel
Steve Hector
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Cruelty
Q. Is it against the law to leave a dog (or other animal) outside all winter long?
A. According to the Nova Scotia Animal Cruelty Prevention Act, the owner or caretaker of an animal must provide it with proper shelter and protection from the weather. Therefore, a dog or other animal may remain outdoors provided it is in good health and weight (for its breed), has access to an appropriate shelter, and is not of an age or breed where temperatures could be potentially dangerous (very young or old animal). The Nova Scotia SPCA recommends, however, that all domestic animals should be allowed access to the inside, especially during temperature extremes.
Q. My neighbor recently moved away and left two cats behind. Is that illegal?
A. Yes. Whether as owner or custodian, any such person who willfully abandons an animal is in violation of Nova Scotia cruelty laws.
Q. I know of someone who isn't caring for their pet properly. Can you come and take it?
A. In order to take an animal into custody, a Nova Scotia SPCA investigator must:
Obtain a surrender from the owner;
Obtain a warrant from the court authorizing the removal of the animal;
Find the animal in distress, and be unable to locate the owner or caregiver; or
