Nova Scotia SPCA Cancels Half Municipal Contracts Amid Crisis

UPDATE: The Nova Scotia SPCA has just announced the cancellation of 50% of its municipal contracts for bylaw enforcement and kennel services, a decision driven by rising costs and staff burnout. In a move impacting several communities, the SPCA will refocus its resources on the escalating number of surrendered animals across the province.

As of late June, contracts affecting the municipalities of Stewiacke, Wolfville, and Yarmouth will be terminated, with East Hants receiving an extension until March 2026. The decision, confirmed by SPCA Chief of Animal Operations Heather Woodin on Tuesday, highlights a critical need to prioritize animal protection efforts over bylaw enforcement duties.

“We don’t want to be the service provider that is looked to enforce animal-related bylaws,” Woodin stated, emphasizing the strain on SPCA special constables who are battling burnout while handling multiple priorities, including animal protection cases involving neglected or abused animals.

The SPCA’s struggle is exacerbated by rising veterinary costs and increased living expenses, which have pressured many Nova Scotians to surrender their pets. “The cost of living overall is affecting the SPCA; it’s affecting the community members as well,” Woodin added, illustrating the urgent need for immediate support.

Financial statements reveal the SPCA’s budget has more than doubled in recent years, reaching $11.5 million in 2024, with shelter operations alone costing $4.8 million. In stark contrast, in 2020, those costs were only $1.9 million. Woodin pointed out that the decision to terminate these contracts was “cost-neutral,” as the costs associated with bylaw duties had outstripped the revenue generated.

The affected municipalities include Pictou County, District of Argyle, and others, which now face the challenge of finding alternative solutions for animal control. Some areas, like Wolfville, have already adapted by employing local compliance staff and partnering with dog rescue groups for kennel services.

However, not all communities are prepared for this shift. Argyle Warden Nicole Albright acknowledged the difficulties faced by smaller municipalities, stating, “Our staff are already so overworked, and it’s hard to throw something else at them.”

Despite the cancellation, the SPCA is committed to supporting municipalities during this transition. Municipalities can still access bylaw enforcement services from the SPCA, provided resources are available. For instance, Stewiacke has allocated $8,000 to cover SPCA expenses until March 2026, hoping to devise a more sustainable solution by then.

As of now, the SPCA retains contracts with eight other municipalities, including Halifax and Cape Breton, with sufficient resources to fulfill these agreements. Woodin assured that they will continue to monitor the situation, ready to adapt if necessary.

This rapid evolution in SPCA operations underscores the urgent need for community engagement and support to ensure animal welfare remains a top priority in the face of growing challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.