News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Environment and Local Government will consult with stakeholders about how to strengthen animal protection in the province.

“Animals are an important part of family life for many New Brunswickers, and we need to ensure that they are properly cared for and protected,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny. “The department has a close working relationship with provincial animal welfare advocates, particularly the New Brunswick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NB SPCA), and I look forward to hearing from them as we determine what New Brunswick might do to strengthen our animal protection legislation.”

The department will meet with stakeholders this spring and will then develop a strategy for implementing any needed enhancements, including legislative amendments.

Areas of discussion will include feedback on recent changes to regulations and what further changes are necessary.

The provincial government has been monitoring animal protection legislation in other jurisdictions to stay current with best practices. For example, Quebec recently passed new animal welfare legislation, elements of which could be explored for possible inclusion in New Brunswick.

An area of particular interest is developing a standard of care for dogs. The department has supported the NB SPCA, in partnership with other stakeholders, in developing a draft code of practice for the care of dogs.

The code will serve as a resource to those responsible for the care of dogs as well as a tool to be considered by NB SPCA animal protection officers in determining whether a dog is being properly treated. The document is available online for public comment.

“A little over a year ago regulatory changes came into effect that banned 24-hour tethering of dogs and increased penalties for other violations that compromise their health and safety,” said Kenny. “We want to build on these positive initiatives and continue to strengthen our protection of animals in New Brunswick.”

Information about animal protection in New Brunswick is available on the Department of Environment and Local Government website.