CTV Exclusive: Behind the scenes with animal cruelty investigators

Exclusive: Behind the scenes with animal cruelty unit Thousands of complaints about neglected, abandoned or abused pets are made each year in the Maritimes.

Thousands of complaints about neglected, abandoned or abused pets are made each year in the Maritimes.

When complaints are made, animal protection officers are called in to question the owners, inspect the condition of the residence and of the animals.

In Nova Scotia, a handful of peace officers handle animal abuse cases under the umbrella of the SPCA, funded solely through fundraising and donations.

The officers have completed more than 160 visits so far this year. Special Const. Jo-Anne Landsburg of the Nova Scotia SPCA says animal protection officers never know what to expect when they knock on someone’s door.

“We’re not always well-received,” admits Landsburg.

“Lots of people cursing and swearing at us, doors slammed, and we’re yelled at and told to get off their property. But we have a right to be there and we don’t let that deter us.”

Nova Scotia SPCA Sgt. Nancy Noel was once assaulted during an animal seizure, although she says it’s rare for animal protection officers to be attacked on the job. She says that’s a good thing, because investigators don’t carry weapons.

“The only things we have are our minds and our mouths when we go to these properties, but I’d say 98 per cent of people are fine to work with,” says Noel.

Once animals are seized, most are taken to the Nova Scotia SPCA where they are examined, treated and cared for.

Last year, the unit looked into more than 1,500 cases. In most cases, charges are not laid. Cases that result in charges are severe.

One case on Landsburg’s desk is that of Daisy, a prime example of the harsh cruelty investigators see.

Daisy was found last November, covered in mange, severely malnourished and suffering from infected sores.

“We’ve all cried. We’re not going to say that we haven’t, because we absolutely have,” says Noel.

Daisy’s owner is facing three counts of animal cruelty.

“She’ll never be completely healed, but it’s great to see her living a happy life now,” says Landsburg.

A love of animals is apparent in the work the unit conducts and the work its members take home. “Little” is a tiny poodle that has made a big impression on Landsburg.

“She was covered in mats. Her mats came out about this far and kind of strangled one of her feet,” says Landsburg. “I decided to keep her for myself because, well, look at her.”

Noel has three rescue cats and a rescue Chihuahua.

“There’s nobody who cares for them more,” says Noel. “That’s why we’re doing this. That’s why we do what we do.”

They say they will keep investigating complaints of animal cruelty, because for them it’s a passion, not a job.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Heidi Petracek