Nova Scotia SPCA applauds proposed amendments to the Animal Protection Act

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nova Scotia (November 8, 2011)–– The Honourable Minister of Agriculture Mr. John MacDonell presented amendments to the Animal Protection Act today in the Legislature. The majority of changes were technical clarifications intending to improve the functioning of the Act, though there were some amendments introduced that seek to create parity with respect to authority to investigate farm animals and companion animals which the Department of Agriculture and the Nova Scotia SPCA handle respectively.

"We are pleased to see that amendments that we proposed were addressed and incorporated into this Bill and look forward to seeing what changes may come to pass. It would appear that much of what we requested was addressed" said Executive Director Kristin Williams of the Nova Scotia SPCA.

The Bill if passed would address the following:

The Bill would afford the investigative powers of the Chief Inspector to apply to all Special Constables appointed under the Act and all peace officers in the Province. This is currently implied.
The Bill also has put the full definition of distress in one section of the Act, which makes it easier to understand and enforce.
A judge would given greater discretion to impose a penalty of his/her own determination and render alternatives to fines that are specific to the circumstances of the case.
An inspector would be able to determine whether an animal should be returned to an owner, where previously an application had to be made to a judge.
If an accused party requests that a decision to remove an animal be reviewed, the Society's Board of Directors would be called upon to review the decision. This does not negate the powers of the yet to be established Appeals Board, but it does add another layer of protection and ensures that the Society does not incur costs associated with the care of the animals for any extraordinary length of time, by having to wait for a court ruling.
Recovery of costs incurred by the Society in the remediation of distress may now be sought through Small Claims Court. Previous to this, there was a necessity to enlist collections services.

An additional amendment that would strengthen to the Act would be to include regulations. The Society has the power to author standards of care which are used in education and enforcement, but these are not currently part of the Act. These standards of care comprise a more significant change to the legislation.

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ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA

The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (Nova Scotia SPCA): Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of a network of Branches, which rely primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Act to Protect Animals and Aid Animals in Distress mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Nova Scotia SPCA is to prevent abuse, neglect and cruelty to animals, and provide for province-wide leadership on matters that promote and improve the welfare of all animals through animal protection; care and rehabilitation; humane education; advocacy and engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.