Recent court cases highlight importance of NBSPCA Pet Establishment Licences and Veterinary Certificates of Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2026
Fredericton, N.B. – The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is providing updates on two significant animal protection cases currently before the courts and reminding the public of the important role Pet Establishment Licences and Veterinary Certificates of Health play in protecting animals and pet owners.
Belledune investigation – 42 dogs and one cat seized
In March 2025, NBSPCA animal protection officers responded to a complaint involving an alleged illegal breeder operating in Belledune, N.B. Following an investigation, officers seized 42 Shih-Tzus and one cat.
Joyce Ann Robertson and Joan Elizabeth Robertson were charged in Bathurst Provincial Court with four offences under the Criminal Code and the provincial SPCA Act, including causing pain, suffering or injury to animals, failing to provide medical care and maintaining animals in unsanitary conditions. While they initially entered not guilty pleas, the accused changed their pleas to guilty on Dec. 17, 2025. Sentencing has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for a pre-sentence report.
Madran investigation – 66 animals seized
In August 2025, NBSPCA animal protection officers responded to a complaint about multiple dogs barking at a residence in Madran, N.B., involving an alleged illegal breeder. Officers executed a warrant and seized 55 dogs, four puppies and seven cats that were living in unsanitary conditions.
Annette Michelle Chittenden-McCool, currently of Markdale, Ont., has been charged under the Criminal Code and the SPCA Act with failing to provide food, water, shelter and/or care to animals and maintaining animals in unsanitary conditions. She is scheduled to appear in Bathurst Provincial Court for the first time today, on Feb. 17, 2026.
Don Metcalfe, Chief Animal Protection Officer with the NBSPCA, said these cases are concerning and sad, underscoring the need for the organization to continue focusing on preventive initiatives.
“Our animal protection officers work tirelessly, often in difficult circumstances, to try to prevent situations like this,” Metcalfe said. “We are also grateful to our shelter partners who work with us to care for seized animals and help them find loving homes.”
Why Pet Establishment Licences and Veterinary Certificates of Health matter
These cases highlight the importance of Pet Establishment Licences in New Brunswick – the only such mandatory licensing framework for animal breeders in Canada. In addition, anyone selling a dog or cat in New Brunswick is required to provide a Veterinary Certificate of Health issued by a licensed veterinarian.
Under the SPCA Act, any breeder and seller of dogs, animal shelter, pet retail store selling animals, or facility that boards dogs overnight must obtain an annual licence and pass an NBSPCA inspection. This process helps ensure that pets are born, raised and cared for in safe and healthy environments and that the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association kennel standards are followed. Operating a pet establishment without a licence is an offence under the SPCA Act.
“Pet Establishment Licences and Veterinary Certificates of Health provide transparency and accountability,” said Metcalfe. “When members of the public see a valid licence number, they can be confident the facility meets high standards of care related to housing, sanitation, food, water, veterinary care and overall animal welfare. A Veterinary Certificate of Health ensures there are no surprises when it comes to the health of your pet.”
The NBSPCA encourages anyone considering purchasing or boarding a pet to ask for and verify a valid Pet Establishment Licence. When buying a dog or cat, owners should always receive a Veterinary Certificate of Health issued within the past six months.
More information about Pet Establishment Licences and Veterinary Certificates of Health is available online. For more details on questions to consider when selecting a pet, visit nbspca.ca/your-next-pet.
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
