Saving 120 animals from one farm
Farm animal welfare is a critical part of the New Brunswick SPCA’s (NBSPCA) mandate. Animal Protection Officers are trained to recognize signs of animal stress and inadequate food and shelter for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and other agricultural animals.
“While most New Brunswick farmers work hard to ensure their animals are properly cared for, our Animal Protection Officers are authorized to investigate instances of livestock neglect or inadequate care,” said Tony Porter, Chief Animal Protection Officer, New Brunswick SPCA.
In March 2021, the NBSPCA received a complaint about dead sheep and rabbits on a farm belonging to Mohammad Islam located in Young’s Cove, New Brunswick. An Animal Protection Officer investigated the complaint and found 33 dead animals on the farm along with 100 sheep, some goats, and rabbits. The animals’ condition and the barn environment prompted a call for assistance from Provincial Veterinary Services.
Veterinarians found the animals were underweight and feeble, and NBSPCA officers continued their investigation. Over a period of several weeks, NBSPCA’s Animal Protection Officers worked with the owner to improve conditions on the farm and animal health, including providing better access to food and water and calling for veterinary care for any sick animal.
Mohammad Islam appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court on Sept. 27, 2022, to plead guilty to two charges laid under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick, relating to his failure to provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to the animals.
A provincial court judge sentenced Mohammad Islam on January 17, 2023, to two years probation with conditions, restricting the farm to a maximum of 120 animals and providing NBSPCA Animal Protection Officers the authority to make unannounced visits to ascertain animals’ well-being.
New Brunswick residents can help protect against animal neglect and give defenseless animals a voice. If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, call the New Brunswick SPCA 24⁄7 hotline at 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 issue 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
