NBSPCA sees record complaints in 2025 but fewer animal seizures thanks to enhanced prevention efforts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2026
Fredericton, N.B. — The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) responded to 4,795 complaints in 2025 — a four per cent increase over 2024 — marking the highest volume of calls in the organization’s history. At the same time, fewer pets were removed from unsafe situations, in part due to the expansion of the Happy Tails prevention program.
Executive Director Lesley Rogers says there are several reasons for the increased demand for animal protection services, including a range of socio-economic issues.
“We continue to see the impact of factors such as the increased cost of living, difficulty finding pet-friendly housing and an aging population,” Rogers said. “This is exacerbated by the rise in illegal breeders who are operating without a valid Pet Establishment Licence and selling animals without Veterinary Certificates of Health.”
Rogers noted that animal protection officers conducted 222 pet establishment inspections in 2025. This process ensures that animal breeders, shelters, kennels and pet retail stores that sell animals meet high standards of care for shelter, sanitation, food, water, veterinary care and overall animal welfare.
The NBSPCA enforces provincial animal protection laws under the SPCA Act and makes recommendations to the Crown on both SPCA and Criminal Code charges when warranted. The organization reported 21 cases in which the accused faced provincial or Criminal Code charges, and three related to dog control incidents. Court cases resulted in 23 convictions in 2025.
Despite the increased volume of calls, the NBSPCA reported a modest reduction in the number of domestic animals seized from unsafe situations. A total of 1,111 pets were seized in 2025, about 100 fewer than in the previous year. These animals were provided with veterinary care when needed and taken to shelter partners to be rehomed. The number of agricultural animals removed from unsafe situations rose significantly, from 28 in 2024 to 50 in 2025.
The organization attributes the slight decline in domestic animal seizures in part to the success of its Happy Tails prevention program, which completed its first full year of province-wide operations in 2025. Funded entirely by donations, the program provided nearly 1,300 pets from low-income families with essential veterinary care last year.
“While the need remains very real and very urgent, prevention and education are making a measurable difference,” said Rogers. “Happy Tails is helping families care for their pets before situations reach a crisis point, keeping animals safely with the people who love them whenever possible.”
About New Brunswick SPCA
Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is the only provincewide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws. A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or recommend court orders to persons suspected of abuse and cruelty to animals.
The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide provincewide leadership in the humane treatment of animals. We enforce relevant legislation, ensure shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provide public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives.
Media Contact: Lesley Rogers, lesleyr@nbspca.ca, 506−458−8208
