Saskatchewan SPCA Drafting Standards to Ensure Rescue Animal Welfare | The Canadian News

There are a number of lessons to be learned from the conviction of a woman who led a self-described animal rescue with more than 100 cats, according to the Saskatchewan SPCA program director.

Last week, a provincial court judge found Dolores LaPlante guilty of endangering animals, a statutory offense under Saskatchewan law. Animal protection law (THAT). The judge determined that LaPlante’s 400-square-foot home in Elrose, Sask. Had unsanitary conditions and poor air quality.

“I think lesson number one is that caring for animals is not enough. You have to have resources to care for those animals 24/7, ”said Sandra Anderson, director of the Saskatchewan SPCA program.

The January 2019 seizure and recent conviction highlight loopholes in animal protection regulations. The provincial animal welfare organization is now creating a document of “animal rescue standards”.

Once complete, it will outline recommendations and best practices for caring for rescued animals. Areas would include food, veterinary care, and public displays such as adoption events.

“What we are trying to establish is the basic level of care that is required for animals,” Anderson said in an interview.

Currently, there is no governing body for animal rescues in Canada. Shelters and rescues are maintained to the minimum standards outlined in the APA. The crimes for which LaPlante was convicted are the same type of offense that would be imposed against the owner of an animal in general.

There are also no special requirements for bailouts like training or licenses.

“You could be a rescue right now. If you say you are, then you are, ”Anderson said.

Saskatchewan SPCA officials hope to complete the animal rescue standards document and deliver it to the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture before the end of the year.

If adopted, Anderson said the recommendations could serve as an education and enforcement tool.

“We hope that the ministry includes these standards of care in the animal protection regulations,” he said.

Humane Canada, the federation of SPCA and Humane Societies of Canada, has a set of national standards of care in animal shelters. Its members include the Saskatoon SPCA and the Regina Humane Society.

The document sets out guidelines in areas including sanitation, facility design, and record keeping.

Earlier this year, Humane Canada launched a voluntary accreditation process. Since then, the Ottawa Humane Society has become the first organization to sign up.

“It is an opportunity for us essentially to professionalize the industry in the sector, increase the care of these animals and make sure there are certain standards of care,” said Tara Hellewell, director of donor relations and national commitment for the organization.

While Humane Canada has some rescue groups, Hellewell acknowledged that there are often financial barriers to rescue groups paying for certifications.

Ultimately, he said the best way to address animal overpopulation, especially for cats, is to encourage affordable veterinary care and increased spaying and neutering.

Municipal licenses

One way to deal with overcrowding is for municipalities to enact dog and cat licensing regimes that include “significantly higher fees” for unsterilized animals, according to Don Ferguson, executive director of Animal Protective Services of Saskatchewan.

The proceeds from the fees could be used to pay for spay and neuter initiatives.

“So that we can reduce the animal population and we don’t have situations where people accumulate more than 100 animals in a residence,” Ferguson said.

He said local and provincial governments must also involve the community to ensure spaying and neutering is accessible to all.