| Two women, both importing dogs from out of the province, have been charged with selling dogs without a certificate of health, contrary to section 26(6) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia.
“In both cases, confidential complaints and tips were sent to the Nova Scotia SPCA. Our Inspectors follow up on all reports we receive,” says Jo-Anne Landsburg, Chief Provincial Inspector at the Nova Scotia SPCA. “We are grateful to those who see something and say something.”
Lisa Benoit – Halifax
In December 2021, the Nova Scotia SPCA received complaints that Lisa Benoit was importing sick animals from Texas and selling them without proper medical inspections or certificates. The Nova Scotia SPCA Enforcement Team began an investigation and determined that Benoit facilitated the transportation and sale of approximately 60 dogs per month to Nova Scotia. Many of these animals were sick upon arrival, fell ill afterward, had behavioral issues, or died en route to Canada.
In May 2022, SPCA officers conducted an investigative search warrant, and 12 charges have now been laid against Lisa Benoit, 50, of Halifax. Benoit is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on July 22, 2022.
“Investigations like this take time,” says Landsburg. “It is important that officers are thorough in their investigation to obtain pertinent information when conducting search warrants and laying charges.”
Gertruda (Trudy) Steiner – Aylesford
In May 2022, the Nova Scotia SPCA received a complaint that animals were being sold with severe and communicable diseases without proper medical certificates, resulting in multiple fatalities. During the SPCA investigation, the officers found at least 13 dogs had been adopted with severe health issues. The animals did not have a Nova Scotia Veterinary Certificate of Health.
On May 24, 2022, a search warrant was conducted resulting in the seizure of three dogs, including one who was pregnant. Ten charges under section 26(6) have now been laid against Gertruda Steiner, 44. Steiner is scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court on July 9, 2022. Steiner was also charged under section 22(2) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia for providing false or misleading information.
It is illegal in Nova Scotia to sell a cat or dog without a certificate of health from a veterinarian. The Nova Scotia SPCA encourages potential adopters to visit www.yournextpet.ca to learn what to expect, what questions to ask, and what to look for when picking up your new pet.
“The Nova Scotia SPCA supports the safe transport of animals that are healthy both medically and in temperament,” says Chief Inspector Landsburg, continuing that the animals must also “receive medical examinations upon arrival in Nova Scotia.”
The Nova Scotia SPCA has a zero-tolerance policy for animal cruelty and neglect. You can report acts of animal cruelty by calling the SPCA toll-free at 1-888-703-7722, e-mailing animals@spcans.ca, or filling out the online form at www.novascotiaspca.ca/reportcruelty. All concerns and complaints are kept confidential. |
