Release:

Warning: This story contains descriptions and images that some readers may find disturbing.

In under two months, through several ongoing cruelty investigations, the Nova Scotia SPCA has received over 130 seized and surrendered animals into their care.

“These animals are defenceless. Through our investigations team, coupled with the life-saving efforts of shelter and veterinary medical staff, we will work to not only hold those responsible for the cruelty to account, but will work tirelessly to heal these precious animals in the hope of finding them loving homes,” said Kevin Strooband, Chief Inspector.

As a provincial organization, the Nova Scotia SPCA regularly has hundreds of animals in their care on any given day. What makes these past few months unique is the number of animals with high medical needs. There is no provincial government funding for medical care.

“We are estimating the costs for both medical and sheltering care, for these 130 plus animals alone, to be at over $150,000,” says Alicia Avendano, Veterinary Assistant and Shelter Liaison, Nova Scotia SPCA. “Some animals need long-term medical care due to their poor physical condition, and others need emergency care, like Fern, who had 852 porcupine quills that had to be removed. While these animals recover from their medical needs, they still need to stay with the SPCA, which means covering costs for food and shelter, in addition to their medical costs. It all adds up. It is all needed to improve the quality of life of these animals.”

With the Canada Post strike affecting mailed-in donations, the society is looking at a loss in just October of tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

“This many animals, through so few cases, in such a short amount of time, with such high medical needs, means they need help today. These animals need the whole community now. Donations will go towards their rehabilitation and recovery,” says Marni Tuttle, Chief Strategy Officer, Nova Scotia SPCA.

Donations can be made online at www.novascotiaspca.ca/medical-emergency/ or at your local shelter.

About Nova Scotia SPCA Enforcement

The Nova Scotia SPCA Enforcement Team is a province-wide agency vested with the authority from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, to provide enforcement under the Animal Protection Act and sections of the Criminal Code, to investigate, and where necessary, lay charges, conduct animal seizures, or issue orders to persons suspected of animal cruelty and neglect. The Nova Scotia SPCA Enforcement Team employs Special Constables appointed under the Police Act of Nova Scotia.

About the Nova Scotia SPCA
Proudly following no-kill principles, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity that helps companion animals in need. Last year, over 24,000 pets were helped through animal rescue, progressive programs, rehoming opportunities, and veterinary hospitals. The Nova Scotia SPCA does not receive any government funding for their shelters, so the SPCA relies on community support to help care for local pets in need. To learn more, visit www.novascotiaspca.ca.