Whether rightfully or wrongfully animals are getting protection through legislation often dictated by those who don’t have the industry at heart but mostly the animals’ welfare at heart.
In Saskatchewan, already in effect since April 1, a newly formed Saskatchewan humane society will take over the enforcement of Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act.
Earlier this year the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced it planned to narrow its focus to programs and services related to education and the prevention of animal cruelty and, after March 31, would no longer be responsible for enforcing Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act.
With the newly formed Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan now in charge, executive director Kaley Pugh says the change avoids any potential for gaps in enforcement.
“Our mandate is enforcement of the Animal Protection Act and that does actually apply to all animals,” said Pugh. “Primarily the cases that we deal with will probably be similar to Saskatchewan SPCA’s where about 50 per cent of the cases involved dogs, about 30 per cent horses, 20 per cent cattle and then everything else was a smaller percentage but it does technically apply to all animals, pets, fish, wildlife, whatever. It is a fairly broad act.”
Pugh says it gives them powers to inspect premises that have animals for sale, hire, and exhibition but it also provides mechanisms where animal protection officers can respond to complaints from the public about concerns of animals that don’t have adequate food, water, shelter, care.

Also, provisions and powers to seize animals under certain conditions, or get search warrants under certain conditions, that sort of stuff.
Pugh says Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan staff are experienced and professional people doing this type of work and they will be working closely with the Saskatchewan SPCA to ensure a smooth transition.
Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart anticipates a seamless transition.
“There’s a board of directors that represents most of the categories of animals that the Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan will be safeguarding and there may be more additions to the board as time goes on,” said Stewart.
“Kaley Pugh, the executive director has extensive experience in the field with SSPCA and management experience with them and she’s extended an invitation to all of the employees that worked in the field with SSPCA to join the organization as well.”
The minister thinks people that have contact with Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan will notice little if any difference from any experiences they may have had with SSPCA. It’s modeled very much along the same lines.
“We were always very satisfied with the work of SSPCA and we expect a very similar experience with Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan particularly in light of Kaley Pugh’s extensive experience with SSPCA,” said Stewart. “The province is committed to animal protection and is pleased that the well-being of animals will continue to be safeguarded across Saskatchewan.”  •
— By Harry Siemens