SPCA pushing for legislation to protect pets left out in the cold

CTV Atlantic: Protecting our pets from the weather Find out what's being done to ensure pets are not left out in the cold when the mercury drops.

Most pet owners know that keeping animals outside for an extended period of time during the winter is not only cruel, it can have fatal consequences. However, some pets are still being left outside in harsh temperatures.

David Ross, chief inspector at the Nova Scotia SPCA, has been busy over the last month responding to such complaints.

“When we feel and when there is enough evidence, we will hold a person accountable and we will charge them with neglect or abuse or even disobeying the directions of an officer,” says Ross.

However, he says more needs to be done to protect pets.

The Nova Scotia government is looking at new legislature that will allow the SPCA to be more effective in dealing with pet owners. Ross says a change in some of the wording in the Animal Protection Act is the first step.

“One of the greatest things we struggle with is the lack of specifics within the law with words such as adequate,” says Ross.

According to Ross, more clarification would provide pet owners with a better understanding of how to properly care for pets.

Changes to the Animal Protection Act are also top of mind for the New Brunswick SPCA and the PEI Human Society.

All three Maritime provinces allow pets to be tethered 24/7, as long as they have adequate food, water, and shelter.

The Maritime provinces are seeking new legislation that will require pets to be indoors periodically when weather is unfavourable. The New Brunswick SPCA is also pushing for legislation that would allow animal enforcement officers to check on a pet without a warrant.

“What we would like to see is a requirement for the owner to bring the animal to the door, so we view the animal, we don't need to go into his home, but we'd at least like to have him bring it to the threshold of the dwelling so we can view the animal,” says Hilary Howes, executive director of the New Brunswick SPCA.

It is unclear when the recommendations will become a reality, but the push is on to protect all pets.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Alyse Hand