NBSPCA Reports Record Year of Animal Protection Calls 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 10, 2025

Fredericton, N.B. – The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) has released its 2024 Annual Report, revealing the busiest year in its 145-year history. Calls to the NBSPCA reached an all-time high of 4,611 last year, including more than 3,000 reports of animal cruelty and neglect — a nearly 50 per cent increase since 2020.

Animal protection officers removed over 1,200 animals from unsafe situations in 2024 due to abuse, neglect, lack of medical care or abandonment and ensured they received proper veterinary care with the help of shelter partners.

Executive Director Lesley Rogers says these numbers reflect the growing need for animal protection services across the province. While she emphasized that the organization is proud of its animal protection officers’ tireless efforts, the current pace is not sustainable.

“Unfortunately, more animals in New Brunswick are suffering neglect, abandonment and abuse than ever before,” said Rogers. ​“We cannot continue to respond at this scale without long-term solutions. Several shelters are already overwhelmed and at risk of closing their doors.”

The NBSPCA enforces provincial animal protection laws under the SPCA Act on behalf of the provincial government, investigates allegations of animal cruelty and neglect, and makes recommendations to the Crown on both SPCA and Criminal Code charges when warranted. In 2024, the organization reported 22 cases in which the accused faced provincial and Criminal Code charges and seven related to dog control incidents. An additional 17 court cases are pending related to investigations carried out in 2024.

Rogers says the NBSPCA is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Government of New Brunswick about funding levels to ensure it can deliver ongoing enforcement services, while also advancing preventative programs to help reduce the number of animals in crisis. The Happy Tails Fund, launched in 2023, has already helped over 1,000 low-income pet families access spay or neuter procedures and emergency veterinary care, helping to keep pets safely at home, away from overcrowded shelters.

In its 2024 Annual Report, the NBSPCA outlines several ways that New Brunswickers can make an impact, including spaying or neutering their pets, and donating to the NBSPCA to support animals with emergency care, food, shelter and rehabilitation.

“As an organization, we will continue to work toward our mission of protecting, rescuing and advocating for animals in need, while promoting compassion and responsible pet ownership,” Rogers said. ​“With sustainable resources to keep pace with the growing demand, we can continue to work toward a future where all animals in New Brunswick are safe, respected and loved.”

The NBSPCA’s full 2024 Annual Report is available at nbsp​ca​.ca.

About New Brunswick SPCA

Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) 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