Saskatchewan NDP calls government approach to Saskatoon SPCA ‘terribly inadequate’ – Saskatoon | The Canadian News

The Saskatchewan government’s funding approach to the Saskatoon SPCA does not have common sense and compassion, according to a member of the official opposition.

The Saskatoon SPCA told the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday that it will stop investigating reports of animal cruelty and neglect with effect from 1 April. The SPCA’s executive director mentioned a lack of provincial funding for its animal protection officers.

“People should be really disappointed with the provincial government on this front,” said Trent Wotherspoon, the opposition NOP’s agricultural critic.

Last year, the Saskatoon SPCA and Regina Humane Society approached the provincial government for funding to carry out enforcement with their animal protection officers. The SPCA has raised $ 600,000 for its activities in Saskatoon.

The province refused the requests.

Now people in Saskatoon are facing uncertainty as the April deadline approaches with no indication which agency could fill the gap.

“The Sask Party must wake up to the reality that it is not acceptable to leave Saskatoon without animal protection services,” Wotherspoon said.

He described the government’s approach as “terribly inadequate and without basic compassion and common sense.” He called on the province to start funding enforcement by the SPCA or give money to another group to do so.

The board of the Saskatoon SPCA voted last week to end the application of the Animal Protection Act. Since hearing of the situation on Monday, ministry officials have been meeting with City of Saskatoon staff to find a solution.

In an interview, David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, will not commit to taking over an animal enforcement agency by April on a permanent or temporary basis.

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“It is too early to make such remarks at this stage until I really know where the talks are going,” Marit said. “We were also caught off guard over this.”

Animal welfare remains a priority for the Saskatchewan government, Marit said.

Chief Veterinary Officer, dr. Stephanie Smith, told Global News on Tuesday that the province is looking for a new model to ensure that animal protection is fair, consistent and affordable across Saskatchewan.

There is no consistent model for the application of animal welfare in Canada’s provinces.

Saskatchewan Animal Protection Services Considered

One option, she said, would be to expand the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan Animal Protection Services (APSS) – a provincially funded organization with seven animal protection officers. It is responsible for the application of the province, with the exception of Regina and Saskatoon.

The organization had previously absorbed application responsibilities in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw when their animal enforcement agencies ceased operations. APSS has not received a “significant increase” in funding for the additional work, according to its executive director, Don Ferguson.

The organization could not take over Saskatoon’s workload without new resources, including two new animal protection officers and a dispatcher, he said.

“We will not be able to continue to serve the territories we now have and accept the responsibility of the City of Saskatoon,” Ferguson said in an interview.

“There is no assumption that we can use the Saskatoon SPCA’s shelter for the housing as well as the veterinarians to whom they have access.”

APSS was not part of the talks between the Department of Agriculture and the City of Saskatoon, Ferguson said.

“We would definitely like to be involved in that conversation.”