Nova Scotia SPCA assumes oversight of provincial farm animal welfare

The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has officially assumed responsibility for provincial farm animal welfare. This expanded role means that the organization’s inspectors will now be tasked with managing cruelty complaints and coordinating medical care and housing for seized livestock, including horses. The responsibility for farm animal welfare had previously shifted between government departments before returning to the Department of Agriculture in 2023.

The transition was executed in stages. Inspectors from the SPCA began joint training and ride-alongs with the Department of Agriculture in April. A key part of this preparatory phase involved reaching out to local agricultural groups to ensure a smooth transition of duties. The team, comprised of existing companion animal inspectors who completed additional training on national livestock care standards, began independently leading cases in July.

Sarah Lyon, chief communications officer for the SPCA, stated that the handover was not a sudden event, but rather a process managed with great thoughtfulness. The organization will not build new facilities, but will instead rely on the existing department network to transport and shelter animals. Notably, the SPCA last held this specific provincial mandate in 2008.

Edison Skinner, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, noted that the administrative change required no modifications to provincial law. According to the department, consolidating oversight for both household pets and farm animals under a single organization simplifies enforcement procedures and improves administrative efficiency.

To support the SPCA in this new capacity, the provincial government has pledged $480,000 annually over a three-year period. Furthermore, provincial veterinarians will remain available to assist with cases as needed. By bringing farm animal oversight under the SPCA’s umbrella, the province aims to provide more specialized care and standardized enforcement for livestock across Nova Scotia.