SASKATOON – The SaskSPCA is asking the provincial government for clarity after raising concerns about Saskatchewan’s plan to overhaul its Animal Welfare Enforcement Services.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Agriculture, the organization outlined several issues it believes could affect the future of enforcement across the province.
The SaskSPCA previously served as Saskatchewan’s animal protection agency for more than 40 years, enforcing The Animal Protection Act until 2015.
The group says one of its major concerns is a proposed decrease in funding for animal welfare enforcement.
A government news release from October 31 noted that more than $6.5 million has been invested in enforcement over the past three years. However, the new Request for Proposals outlines an annual budget of $1.6 million for the incoming agency.
SaskSPCA President Carol Thomson said the organization understands the challenges involved in ensuring animal welfare laws are enforced consistently and effectively.
“We very much look forward to learning more about the changes, as we have concerns that animal welfare in Saskatchewan may be compromised by what has been proposed,” Thomson said.
The SaskSPCA also pointed to workload pressures already documented by Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, the province’s current enforcement agency.
In its latest annual report, APSS reported staff logged the equivalent of one full-time officer’s yearly hours in overtime due to rising demand and increasingly complex cases.
The SaskSPCA says it is unclear how a new agency would deliver stronger enforcement with fewer resources.
The organization is also seeking more information on the new Code of Conduct for Animal Protection Officers, including how it is being developed and who will oversee compliance. Additional questions have been raised about the Saskatchewan Marshals Service and its potential involvement in enforcement.
Given its experience, the SaskSPCA has requested a seat on the Ministry of Agriculture’s selection committee for the new enforcement agency.
“We believe the SaskSPCA is in a distinctly unique position to offer valuable insight on the selection of the next animal welfare enforcement agency,” Thomson said. “We are committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry and other partners to ensure long-lasting improvements to animal welfare in Saskatchewan.”
The organization says it looks forward to further discussions with the province on the proposed changes and its potential role in the process.
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