We investigate public complaints of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.

The Animal Protection Act, 2018 is the Saskatchewan law that protects animals from abuse and distress.

The Act says that:

• No person shall cause an animal to be in distress
• No person responsible for an animal shall cause or permit the animal to be or continue to be in distress

An animal is in distress if it is:

• deprived of food or water sufficient to maintain the animal in a state of good health;
• deprived of care or shelter;
• deprived of veterinary care or medical attention;
• in need of reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold;
• wounded, ill, in pain, suffering, abused or neglected;
• kept in conditions that: are unsanitary; will significantly impair the animal’s health or well being over time; cause the animal anxiety or suffering; or contravene the prescribed standards, codes of practice or guidelines;
• abandoned by its owner or by a person responsible for the animal in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, distress resulting from any or all the factors listed

A list of “Codes of Practice” that describe acceptable care standards for animals can be found in the Animal Protection Act Regulations.

If a person is convicted under this Act, the possible penalties are:

• A fine of up to $25,000 and/or Imprisonment for up to 2 years
• A prohibition or restriction on owning animals for a specific period