Statement from the NBSPCA on proposed changes to provincial veterinary field and laboratory services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026
Fredericton, N.B. — The following statement was issued by Scott Elliott, President of the NBSPCA Board of Directors:
The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is concerned about the potential impacts of the Government of New Brunswick’s recently announced plan to privatize provincial veterinary field and laboratory services over the next three years. We have questions about how this change will affect the cost and availability of these critical services for New Brunswickers, as well as the implications for the welfare of agricultural animals in the province.
The NBSPCA is currently responsible for investigating and enforcing agricultural codes of practice under the provincial SPCA Act. We rely on the specialized expertise of provincial veterinarians and on the support of provincial veterinary laboratory services to fulfill these legal responsibilities on behalf of the provincial government. We are eager to meet with the Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries and his team to discuss how animal protection services will be delivered under this new model.
Over the past few years, the NBSPCA has been impacted by rising demand and higher costs associated with protecting agricultural animals. We depend on provincial veterinary services to support animal protection investigations, provide care for animals in need, perform necropsies and offer expert testimony in cases that proceed through the courts.
In 2025 alone, our animal protection officers seized 50 agricultural animals from unsafe situations, up from 28 the previous year, highlighting the increasing need for specialized veterinary support. There are currently five ongoing court cases stemming from NBSPCA investigations related to agricultural animals.
Provincial veterinary laboratory services also play a critical role in conducting necropsies to determine causes of death in all NBSPCA cases, including those involving agricultural animals. Without this service in New Brunswick, the NBSPCA would face significant challenges and delays, as the closest alternative facilities are in Truro, N.S. or on Prince Edward Island.
As one of only two provinces (including British Columbia) where the SPCA is responsible for the protection of agricultural animals, New Brunswick already operates within a unique system. Access to specialized expertise could become increasingly difficult due to the absence of a local veterinary or agricultural college and the limited number of private providers trained to treat agricultural animals.
The NBSPCA encourages the Government of New Brunswick to engage stakeholders further to ensure a full understanding of the system-wide considerations related to this decision, including the potential impact on the welfare of agricultural animals.
The NBSPCA is concerned that these changes could affect our ability to effectively fulfill animal protection responsibilities on behalf of the provincial government and respond to cases in a timely manner, particularly as operational costs continue to rise. We look forward to receiving further information and clarity from the provincial government on how animal welfare services will be supported moving forward.
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
