SPCA release:

Alicia Hall, 31, from Freeport, Nova Scotia, has been sentenced to two counts of causing unnecessary pain, suffering, injury to an animal or bird, pursuant to section 445.1 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Hall was sentenced to a lifetime prohibition of having care, custody or control of or residing in the same premises as an animal or bird, and 18 months’ imprisonment in the community.

In March 2024, the Nova Scotia SPCA received a report of two deceased dogs in a house in Freeport, Nova Scotia. Following an investigation, Hall was charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering for two dogs under section 445.1 (1) (a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, and two counts of abandoning two dogs in distress under section 446 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

“The Nova Scotia SPCA is here to help. If you are facing tough choices in regard to your pets, reach out. Together we can alleviate distress to animals,” says Special Constable Heather Woodin.

The Nova Scotia SPCA has a zero-tolerance policy for animal cruelty and neglect. All concerns and complaints submitted to the SPCA are kept confidential. You can report acts of cruelty by calling the SPCA toll-free at 1-888-703-7722, e-mailing animals@spcans.ca, or filling out an online form at www.novascotiaspca.ca/reportcruelty.

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.