Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the establishment of a new humane society to provide enforcement of The Animal Protection Act in Saskatchewan.
The Ministry of Agriculture has reached a two year funding agreement with Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, a non-profit corporation, to provide animal protection services beginning April 1, 2015. The agreement provides the organization $610,000 a year for investigative services.
鈥淎nimal welfare is a top priority for our government,鈥� Stewart said.聽 鈥淲e welcome the opportunity to work with our new partner, Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, to continue enforcement of the Act and ensure a sound animal welfare system throughout the province.鈥�
The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Saskatchewan SPCA) announced earlier this year that it would not renew its contract with the ministry for animal protection services after March 31, 2015, due to its decision to focus on programs and services related to education and the prevention of animal cruelty.
Animal protection officers who previously worked for the Saskatchewan SPCA, including Animal Protection Services Manager Kaley Pugh, are part of the new Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan. The organization will be based out of Saskatoon and its board will include members from provincial veterinary and livestock organizations.
Starting April 1, there will be a new toll-free phone number, 1-844-382-0002, for reporting cases of animal abuse. The website is www.animalprotectionservices.ca, and the general email address is [email protected].
The ministry will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure animal protective services are effectively enforced across the province.
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