The Saskatoon SPCA will no longer investigate animal abuse. It's unclear who will
As the city's primary animal welfare organization steps away from its role in investigating cases of animal abuse and neglect, it isn't clear who will take its place.
On Monday, the Saskatoon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) announced it will end its enforcement role on April 1.
It will still operate its shelter, the city pound and provide adoption servies.
SPCA executive director Graham Dickson is feeling “incredibly frustrated,” and told CTV News the decision has been a long time coming.
“We’ve been underfunded for so long and the effects of that have shown. Our work isn’t as good as it could be because our employees don’t have the resources and tools to do their jobs,” Dickson said.
When announcing the change, the SPCA said it made an unsuccessful pitch last year, along with the Regina Humane Society, for provincial funding.
The SPCA’s two animal protection officers (APO’s), appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture, have been doing this work for close to 40 years without funding from the province according to Dickson.
Money comes from fundraising and donations as well as a grant from the City of Saskatoon for around $160,000 a year, which covers a small percentage of costs, Dickson said. The annual operating budget for the SPCA is around the $2 million mark. That goes to things like wages for the 25 staff members, medical expenses for animals and building operations.
APOs respond to calls from the public about animals being neglected or abused and take steps to educate the owners or in extreme cases, lay charges under the province's Animal Protection Act.
Last year the SPCA investigated 865 cases of animal abuse or neglect, according to the organization.
“At this point forward, our role will be one of advocacy and to make sure this work is done and done consistently across the province. It doesn’t matter who’s doing it, as long as it’s being upheld,” Dickson said.
Outside of Saskatoon and Regina, animal protection is handled by Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS), a non-profit that receives funding through the Ministry of Agriculture.
APSS has received $2.8 million over the past three years. The organization was incorporated in 2015 when the provincial SPCA ceased operation.
According to Don Ferguson, Executive Director of the APSS, they have 9 employees across the province who deal with issues of protection when it comes to animals such as dogs which make up half of their calls, as well as horses, cats and cattle and other species.
In the absence of animal protection in Saskatoon, Ferguson said the legislation allows for the RCMP and police to enforce animal legislation and that APSS won't be able to fill the void.
“We are not in a position to absorb other duties,” when the SPCA stops their services in Saskatoon.
Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said its “been involved in preliminary discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and City of Saskatoon but is not currently in a position to take on responsibility for full animal protection services"
"As it has in the past, the SPS continues to be prepared to respond to emergency issues where animals are injured, diseased, or dangerous," said in an email
Dickson said he's hopeful that another agency takes over to continue the important work.
In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Agriculture said "animal welfare remains a priority" for the provincial government.
"We are currently exploring alternative enforcement models for an equitable, consistent, and affordable service across the province," the statement said.
In its statement, the ministry pointed a failed attempt to seek additional funding from Saskatoon city council during budget deliberations last year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.