|
 |
| |
MEDIA RELEASE Nova Scotia SPCA issues update on current active
animal cruelty cases Nova Scotia (Thursday, February 4,
2010) Today,
the Nova Scotia SPCA announced a number of animal cruelty provincial and federal charges served in ongoing cases throughout
Nova Scotia: 1.
Darren Gumbley, Annapolis County:
1 Criminal Code count 446 (1) b - failure to provide suitable food, water, shelter and care; one provincial offence 11 (2)
- causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is March 1, 2010 in Annapolis Co. The case
involves one dog and three cats. The owner allegedly did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animals.
2. Yassine Bekkour, Halifax (HRM): 1 Criminal Code count 445
(1) a - wilful neglect causing damage or injury to animals; two provincial offenses 11 (1) - wilfully causing an animal pain,
suffering or injury; and 11 (2) causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is February
15, 2010 in Halifax. The case involves one cat. The owner allegedly struck the cat, resulting in severe trauma and a fracture.
3. Tom Jeffery, Yarmouth County: 1 Criminal Code count 446 (1)
b - failure to provide suitable food, water, shelter and care; one provincial offence 11 (2) - causing or permitting an animal
to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is March 2, 2010 in Yarmouth Co. The case involves one dog. The owner allegedly
did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animal.
4. Janice Bingley, Pictou County: 1 provincial offence 11 (2) - causing or permitting an animal
to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is February 22, 2010 in New Glasgow. The case involves 8 dogs and 14 puppies.
The owner allegedly did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animals.
These cases will be prosecuted in provincial courts by the respective Crown Attorney in the county where
the charges have been filed and served. To report animal cruelty call 1-888-703-7722. To make a donation
to support the Society’s lifesaving work or to learn more about how to get involved, please visit www.spcans.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTmedia@spcans.ca 902-832-4798
ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCAThe
Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (Nova Scotia SPCA): Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of 11 Branches,
which relies primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane
education. The Animal Cruelty Prevention Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA
unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.
NOVA SCOTIA SPCA PRESS RELEASE Animal Protection Act comes into force in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia (Friday, January 22, 2010) The Governor
in Council on recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture has declared that The Animal Protection Act of 2008 be proclaimed
and come into force in the province of Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia SPCA is mandated to enforce the new provincial legislation
and to investigate matters of suspected cruelty, abuse and neglect. The new legislation takes effect immediately.
The
key changes to the legislation include:
• The
division of farm animals from companion animals, so that the Nova Scotia SPCA and Department of Agriculture can work collaboratively on improving animal
welfare in all environments with increased resources. • A requirement for veterinarians to report alleged
abuse, neglect and cruelty.
• Stiffer penalties
for those convicted of animal cruelty.
For a first offence, a guilty
party may face a fine of up to $10,000 and in default of payment imprisonment for a term of up to six months or a combination
of fine and imprisonment. Subsequent offences can carry fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment or both.
LEGISLATION An Act to Protect Animals and
to Aid Animals that are in Distress: http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/PDFs/annual%20statutes/2008%20Fall/c033.pdf
QUOTES
"The new legislation is a great step forward for Nova Scotia and animal welfare. The new legislation will
have a positive effect on our ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare, combat animal cruelty and educate the public about
responsible pet ownership. The Nova Scotia SPCA and its network of 11 Branches look forward to continuing to work on
behalf of Nova Scotians and addressing concerns for the well-being and humane treatment of all animals." Credit:
Kat Horne, Vice President, Nova Scotia SPCA Board of Directors
"The
Nova Scotia SPCA is pleased to have more progressive provincial animal welfare legislation. With the establishment of
stiffer penalties and other important inclusions, the SPCA can now be even more responsive to the needs of the animals in
this province. Nova Scotia now has some of the toughest animal welfare legislation in the country." Credit:
Kristin Williams, Executive Director, Nova Scotia SPCA
"In
addition to responding to allegations of cruelty and abuse, over the next couple of months, the Inspectorate of the Nova Scotia
SPCA will be focused on educating the public and soliciting voluntary compliance. The Society wants to ensure that the
public understands the legislation and appreciates their responsibilities as pet owners and care providers." Credit:
Roger Joyce, Chief Provincial Investigator, Nova Scotia SPCA
|
|
|
