NBSPCA officers give new ‘leash’ on life to 6 dogs
New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) Animal Protection Officers (APOs) received a complaint about a shed full of dogs covered in feces on July 14, 2022, from the Northeastern part of New Brunswick. The officers did not find anyone at the house when they went to investigate. However, the knocking at the door alerted them to the sound of dogs barking from a nearby shed on the property belonging to Robert Savoy.
The dilapidated shed was unfit to keep animals and an overwhelming odour of feces was coming from there. The officers saw filthy dogs and puppies running around on a floor completely covered with fecal matter. After seeking assistance from RCMP, the Officers entered the shed to seize the dogs. They found the floor covered with approximately 30 inches (76 cm) of feces with a strong smell of urine. The dogs had no access to water or a clean place to rest.
The dogs were saved and taken to a veterinarian for examination. All were found to have feces-matted fur and red and irritated paw pads, and a few were infested with multiple parasites. The puppies had low muscle mass while the adult dogs had behaviour problems due to poor socialization. The animals were placed in a positive recovery environment.
Robert Savoy pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick and the Criminal Code at the Bathurst Provincial Court on December 12, 2022. When his case was set for trial on June 30, 2023 he changed his plea on two counts – failing to provide medical care and for unsanitary conditions. The court fined him $1,200, placed him on probation for 2 years, gave him a Prohibition Order from owning dogs for 15 years, and ordered him to pay NBSPCA $3,000 in restitution for the veterinary expenses incurred.
The NBSPCA carries out its mandate by removing animals from unsafe situations. If you hear of abuse, cruelty, or neglect of animals in your community, please report it by calling our toll-free hotline at 1−877−722−1522
About the New Brunswick SPCA
Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only province-wide 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 province-wide 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.
To learn more visit nbspca.ca
