The NS SPCA has charged a Wolfville man after investigating a complaint from the public involving over 20 dogs living at a residence in Kings County.

Brian Merrill Levy, 72, of Wolfville, NS has been charged with causing animals to be in distress; contrary
to section 21(1) of the Animal Protection Act of NS, failing to ensure that an animal had an adequate source of water, contrary to section 22 (a) of the Animal Protection Act, failing to provide adequate medical attention when an animal was wounded or ill; contrary to section 22 (b) of the Animal Protection
Act, failing to provide an animal with reasonable protection from injurious cold contrary to section 22 (d)
of the Animal Protection Act and, interfering and obstructing a person exercising powers under the act
contrary to section 18 (B) (1) of the APA, and failing to comply with direction pursuant to the Act contrary
to section 18(D) of the Animal Protection Act.

Levy will be arraigned on March 12, 2019 in Kentville Provincial Court.

In October 2018, the SPCA received a complaint regarding several dogs on the property that were not receiving proper care and that the owner was possibly running a puppy mill. SPCA officers attended and found some violations, however officers worked with the owner to try and gain compliance.

In December 2018 a new complaint was received by the SPCA and an inspection was completed. During this inspection, several violations under the Act were found and subsequently one dog was seized for medical issues.

An order was left for the owner to once again bring the conditions up to standards.

An appeal for the seized dog was held on January 9th and the Animal Cruelty Appeal Board found that the
seizure was justified and that the dog would not be returned to Levy.

On January 10th SPCA officers returned to the property to check the status of the order to comply left by SPCA officers. During this inspection another dog was seized and further access to the property was denied by Levy.
On January 15th, 2019 a search warrant was executed by SPCA officers and a total of 20 dogs were seized from the residence.

An appeal hearing for the second dog and the 20 seized dogs was held in New Minas on February 4th. The appeal board deliberated and on February 6th, 2019, a total of 21 dogs were awarded custody to the SPCA making it a total of 22 dogs seized.

“This has been an exhausting case for the investigators with a total of 22 dogs seized. Our staff have been working very hard caring and socializing the dogs and we are now able to place them for adoption as soon as they have been all spayed and neutered. We are very pleased with the board’s decision to award custody of all dogs to the SPCA.” Chief Provincial Inspector, Jo-Anne Landsburg.

The NS SPCA operates on a policy of zero tolerance for animal cruelty and sets the standard of animal care for the province of Nova Scotia. The NS SPCA urges you to report acts of animal cruelty by contacting our confidential toll-free hotline at: 1-888-703-7722.

.

Source : Media Release