The New Brunswick SPCA maintains a staff of part-time Animal Protection Officers and Inspectors who investigate allegations of animal cruelty or abuse. Animal Protection Officers are legally empowered to enforce provisions for animal protection contained in provincial legislation (particularly the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1997, C.27, S.1)) and in the Criminal Code of Canada.

In 2003, Inspectors responded to 1,969 calls, compared to 1,036 calls in 2001. This represents a 90% increase over a two year period. Actions taken after investigating a call are progressive in nature, from providing education initially, to issuing a compliance notice, to seizing an animal, to laying charges. In 2003, several investigations resulted in charges being laid, and convictions obtained under the Criminal Code.

To report a case of animal cruelty and abuse to the New Brunswick SPCA, please phone 1-877-722-1522.

Note that the New Brunswick SPCA does not have the authority to deal with stray animals running at large. For assistance with these matters, please call your local city government or Municipal Services District representative. For problems with nuisance wildlife, please call the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources for a list of authorized agents.)