NBSPCA reports animal neglect, cruelty cases on the rise in New Brunswick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2024
FREDERICTON, N.B. The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is responding to a growing number of animal neglect and cruelty cases in the province, with 2024 shaping up to be another record-breaking year of animal seizures and rescues.
Tony Porter, NBSPCA chief animal protection officer, said the 15 animal protection officers employed by the NBSPCA investigated 4,000 calls for service in 2023. Numerous provincial and criminal code charges were laid against neglectful owners.
“The last four years have seen a 27 per cent increase in animal protection calls,” Porter said. “In 2020, we had roughly 3,000 calls, and the number of calls has since climbed each year. To date, we are up 149 calls from this point last year, which means 2024 is on track to be even busier.”
Porter said New Brunswick residents acquired more pets, particularly dogs, during the COVID-19 pandemic when more people were working from home. With many people back to working in-person, the NBSPCA is seeing an increase of calls related to abandonment and animals running at large.
“Times are getting tougher, economic conditions are not easing up,” Porter added. “The last three or four years have put significant pressure on pet owners. They are trying to cope with being able to afford housing, groceries and childcare. Sometimes, animals are not the top priority, and they are not being looked after properly.”
NBSPCA officers are also seeing cases where animals are negatively impacted by the scarcity of affordable rental accommodations. Porter said that in 2023, the NBSPCA received 365 reports of pets being abandoned in New Brunswick homes, apartments or outside, which is more than double the 141 calls received in 2022. In several instances, he said the animals were found in very poor condition or deceased, and more animals have been left to fend for themselves in the outdoors.
Animal welfare calls are also increasingly more serious in nature, with public complaints of abused animals, inadequate food, water or shelter, and injured animals accounted for more than half of the calls received in 2023. The NBSPCA brought 600 domestic pets to local animal shelters for rehabilitation and eventual rehoming last year, and 53 pets were successfully reunited with their families.
Porter said the organization wants to help people keep their beloved pets in their homes. He encourages pet owners to reach out to family, friends, local animal shelters and the NBSPCA if they are having difficulty feeding or caring for their pets.
“We want people to reach out to family members to see if they can get any help,” Porter said. “It may be hard to ask for help, but no one is going to judge them for doing that. We want people to do the right thing for their pets and we’re here to help as much as we can. That said, we are a provincially mandated enforcement unit and people who willfully neglect or abuse their pets will face enforcement actions.”
Anyone who witnesses examples of animal neglect or abuse is encouraged to report these issues to the NBSPCA by calling 1−877−722−1522.
About 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 www.nbspca.ca
Media Contact: Alex Davis, alex@ccgoodwin.ca, 506−259−4081
