About Us

The NBSPCA has been on a mission to protect and advocate for animals across our province for more than 120 years.

When you support the NBSPCA, you’re giving animals a voice and the chance for a brighter future. Your donations help us remove animals from unsafe situations and work closely with independent community shelters across the province to give animals the care and love they deserve — until they find their forever home.

What We Do

Animal Protection

Our team of animal protection officers protect domestic and agricultural animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Education & Advocacy

We support our community with education, advocate for stronger animal-protection laws, and work with government agencies and other groups across Canada.

Licensing & Inspections

We provide inspections and licensing to pet establishments, like dog breeders and boarding kennels, pet stores and animal shelters to ensure they are safe places for our furry friends.

Animal Control

We provide animal control in rural areas and some municipalities across the province.

News

Stay up to date on the latest news from the NBSPCA on our blog.

NBSPCA investigation results in sentencing in Belledune animal cruelty case

NBSPCA Kicks Off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Statement from the NBSPCA on proposed changes to provincial veterinary field and laboratory services

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Our Story

1881

We got our start in 1881 when 15 citizens of Saint John petitioned the legislative council for an animal protection agency. One of our first public acts was to commission a drinking fountain for horses — which still exists in uptown Saint John today!

Most early SPCAs focused on the well-being of horses, but as horse work began to decline in the twentieth century, they shifted their focus to companion animals. To this day, we still protect livestock.

1960s

In 1965 Brian Davies from Oromocto became the Society’s first full-time employee. Davies was a passionate advocate of animal rights and held the title of Executive Secretary.

The 1970s & 1980s

In the late 1970s the Society plunged into a financial crisis. Although there remained a small network of part-time inspectors, funding was precarious and the NBSPCA itself was relatively inactive.

The 1990s

The 1990s brought a revival of government interest in the NBSPCA and animal protection issues. Amendments to the SPCA Act set up our current system of government-sanctioned Animal Protection Officers with the status of peace officers. Governmental responsibility for the NBSPCA was transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Environment and Local Government, where it remains today.

The 2000s

With Paul Melanson as the chief Animal Protection Officer, the corps of APOs underwent rapid professionalization. Exercising their increased legal authority, the Animal Protection Officers launched a number of large puppy mill seizures that raised public awareness of the Society. In 2009 the NBSPCA assumed the contract to provide dog control services in rural areas, a service previously delivered directly by the government.

The 2010s

In 2010, the government passed legislation establishing mandatory inspection and licensing of pet establishments and gave the NBSPCA authority for that licensing. That same year our ²⁴⁄₇ hotline was created to allow the public to report allegations of cruelty and abuse.