Law for animals
LEGAL NEWS
Nova Scotia’s new Animal Protection Act came into force on 19 January 2010. The new law replaces the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act. The Nova Scotia SPCA has the job of enforcing the Act by educating the public about humane treatment of animals, investigating suspected cases of cruelty, abuse and neglect of companion animals (pets), and seizing distressed animals. The Department of Agriculture will now be responsible for the protection of farm animals under the Act, while the SPCA will focus on companion animals.
Notably, the new law requires veterinarians who have reasonable grounds to believe an animal is being or has been abused or neglected to report their concerns to the SPCA. The law also significantly increases penalties for offences under the Act. Penalties for conviction include:
- First offence: a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 6 months in jail, or both;
- Second offence: a fine of up to $25,000 or up to 6 months in jail, or both;
- Third or subsequent offence: a fine of up to $50,000 or up to 6 months in jail, or both.