11/27/2025
SaskSPCA Raises Concerns with Proposed Changes to Animal Welfare Enforcement Services
[SASKATOON, SK – November 24, 2025] – The SaskSPCA, an organization with a 40-year history as an animal protection agency, is seeking clarification and expressing significant concerns regarding the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently announced plans to change Animal Welfare Enforcement Services.
In a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, the SaskSPCA highlighted our unique perspective, having enforced The Animal Protection Act until 2015, and detailed several concerns about the future of animal welfare enforcement in the province.
The SaskSPCA’s primary concerns centre on a proposed reduction in funding outlined in RFP documents, as well as the ability of a new agency to handle the increasing workload with fewer resources.
“As the organization that was responsible for enforcing animal welfare legislation for over four decades, we fully appreciate the challenges associated with ensuring the animal welfare laws are enforced in a way that is consistent, equitable, and effective,” explains Carol Thomson, SaskSPCA President. “We very much look forward to learning more about the changes, as we have concerns that animal welfare in Saskatchewan may be compromised by what has been proposed.”
A Government media release dated October 31 notes that the province has invested over $6.5 million in animal welfare enforcement over the past three years. According to the RFP documents, the Ministry of Agriculture proposes an annual budget of $1.6 million for the new enforcement agency. The SaskSPCA is concerned that such a significant reduction in annual operating funds will hamper the new enforcement agency’s ability to adequately enforce any legislation.
Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS), the province’s current enforcement agency, indicated in its annual report that significant staff overtime, equivalent to one full-time Animal Protection Officer’s (APO) annual hours, has been logged during its last fiscal year. This increase has been attributed to a growing demand and the complexity of cases. The SaskSPCA suggests that it is not realistic to expect a new agency to deliver “strengthened enforcement provisions” with a proposed reduction in the annual operating budget.
The SaskSPCA is also seeking additional details on the new Code of Conduct for APOs, including how the Code is being developed and who will ensure APOs are compliant. We would also like to know what role the Saskatchewan Marshals Service will play in animal welfare enforcement.
As a leader in animal welfare with a history as an enforcement agency, the SaskSPCA has formally requested to participate as a member of the Ministry of Agriculture’s selection committee that will evaluate proposals submitted for the Animal Welfare Enforcement Services Request for Proposals.
“We believe the SaskSPCA is in a distinctly unique position to offer valuable insight on the selection of the next animal welfare enforcement agency,” added Thomson. “We are committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry and other partners to ensure long-lasting improvements to animal welfare in Saskatchewan.”
The SaskSPCA looks forward to meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss our concerns and possible participation in the selection process.
