Recognizing Cruelty to Livestock - FAQs

March 2007

Who can report livestock abuse or neglect?

Anyone may report an animal in distress.

How do I recognize livestock that are in distress?

According to The Animal Protection Act: 

(2) Subject to subsection (3), for the purposes of this Part, an animal is in distress if it is:

1. deprived of adequate food, water, care or shelter;
2. injured, sick, in pain or suffering; or
3. abused or neglected.

(3) An animal is not considered to be in distress if it is handled:

1. in a manner consistent with a standard or code of conduct, criteria, practice or procedure that is prescribed as acceptable; or
2. in accordance with generally accepted practices of animal management.

Who do I contact if I see neglect or abuse of livestock?

To report a complaint:

• Contact the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA):   
  • Phone: 306-382-7722 or 1-877-382-7722 (toll free)
  • Fax: 306-384-3425
  • E-mail:  SaskSPCA@Sasktel.net
  • Mail: Saskatchewan SPCA, Box 37, Saskatoon S7K 3K1
• The SSPCA Co-ordinator of Investigative Services collects the following information:
  • type and number of animals
  • physical description of animals
  • what access do animals have to food, water, shelter and care
  • location of animals
  • name of owner/caretaker
• Your name will be kept confidential

Who enforces The Animal Protection Act?

The Animal Protection Act is enforced by SSPCA Investigative Services, Animal Protection Officers and by RCMP.

Animal protection officer means:

1. a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
2. a member of a municipal police service; or
3. a person appointed as an animal protection officer pursuant to subsection 3(2) of The Animal Protection Act.

For more information, contact:

Frances Wach, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Telephone:  306-382-4471
E-mail:  franwach.saskspca@sasktel.net
Website:  http://www.sspca.ca/

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Legislation and Regulation:
The Animal Protection Act
The Animal Protection Regulations, 2000

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Roy White, Acting Director
Inspection and Regulatory Management
Telephone:  306-787-6423
E-mail:  Rwhite@agr.gov.sk.ca