Inspectors Appointed to Enforce Animal Health and Protection Act

A total of 15 inspectors from various municipalities have been trained and appointed to enforce the animal protection provisions of the Animal Health and Protection Act. Municipalities include Labrador City, Gander, Placentia, St. John’s, Wabana, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South and Torbay.

“Municipalities have the authority to manage certain parts of the new Animal Health and Protection Act with inspectors appointed to investigate complaints of animal cruelty and neglect,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “Individuals appointed as inspectors receive extensive training and play a key role in the enforcement of the legislation.”

Dr. Hugh Whitney, the Provincial Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer, is responsible for appointing the inspectors.

“We are very impressed by the enthusiasm demonstrated by municipalities in joining us in this program,” said Dr. Whitney. “The department is currently training municipal employees from five more communities. These individuals will be appointed inspectors after their training is complete. Additional communities will be added as time goes on.”

Enforcement of the Animal Health and Protection Act’s animal welfare provisions are carried out by a variety of agencies depending upon the animal in question. The uniformed police also have the authority to enforce the regulations.

The new Animal Health and Protection Act and accompanying regulations are available at www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/tableregulations/tableofregulations_a09-1.htm 

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2013 06 19 11:40 a.m.