SCARS :General Questions for Animals

Please note this pertains to Nova Scotia.

SCARS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is it against the law to leave a dog (or other animal) outside all winter long? A. According to the Nova Scotia Animal Cruelty Prevention Act, the owner or caretaker of an animal must provide it with proper shelter and protection from the weather. Therefore, a dog or other animal may remain outdoors provided it is in good health and weight (for its breed), has access to an appropriate shelter, and is not of an age or breed where temperatures could be potentially dangerous (very young or old animal).
The NSSPCA recommends, however, that all domestic animals should be allowed access to the inside, especially during temperature extremes.


Q. Do I need to leave my name to make a cruelty complaint?
A. Yes. The NSSPCA cannot legally respond to anonymous, hearsay or secondhand information. However, because all calls are confidential, a complainants identity is strictly protected from disclosure to others.

Q. My neighbor recently moved away and left two cats behind. Is that illegal? A. Yes. Whether as owner or custodian, any such person who willfully abandons an animal is in violation of Nova Scotia cruelty laws.


Q. I know of someone who isn't caring for their pet properly. Can you come and take it?
A. In order to take an animal into NSSPCA custody, a Cruelty Officer must: a. Obtain a surrender from the owner b. Obtain a warrant from the court authorizing the removal of the animal c. Find the animal in distress, and be unable to locate the owner or caregiver or
d. Deem the situation to be an emergency


Q. Who do I call concerning a problem I saw at a pet store?
A. NSSPCA Cruelty Officers are authorized to inspect pet shops that offer animals, birds, fish or reptiles for sale or exhibit within the province of Nova Scotia; however, they can only act if animals are found in distress and the owner or caregiver is unwilling to remedy the distress.


Q. Do I call the NS SPCA about stray dogs?
A. No. You should call your municipal Animal Control agency.


Q. What about stray cats?
A. Although the NSSPCA makes every effort to shelter stray cats when space is available, stray and feral cat overpopulation is becoming an epidemic in this province, and cat control does not strictly fall within the NSSPCA's mandate unless the animals are ill or suffering. Unfortunately, Municipal Animal Control agencies generally refuse to respond to stray cat populations unless the municipality concerned has a cat by-law. If YOU are concerned about stray and feral cats in your area, please write to your local councillor to tell them you expect your local government to intervene.