| Brian Merrill Levy, 75, of Wolfville has been sentenced for animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia. Levy was convicted in Kentville Provincial Court on November 11, 2021 for causing an animal to be in distress, contrary to Section 21 (1) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008) and failing to provide adequate medical attention when an animal is wounded or ill, contrary to Section 22 (b) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008). The sentencing on December 2, 2021 included a strict five-year prohibition from owning animals for breeding purposes. Levy was permitted custody of up to two spayed/neutered dogs for companionship providing he abides by the court’s conditions. Levy was charged $800 in fines and $120 in victim surcharges; $920 total.
In October 2018, the Nova Scotia SPCA received a complaint of an alleged puppy mill. SPCA Enforcement Officers responded and worked with the property owner to bring conditions up to standards. A new complaint was received in December 2018. After a full inspection, one dog was seized for medical issues and a new order of compliance was left. On January 10, 2019, SPCA Enforcement Officers returned to check status. They seized a second dog but further access to the property was denied by Levy. After receiving a search warrant, SPCA Enforcement Officers returned on January 15, 2019 and seized 20 more dogs from the property. The Animal Cruelty Appeal Board found the seizures justified and all 22 dogs were awarded custody to the Nova Scotia SPCA.
Levy was also charged but acquitted of failing to provide an adequate source of water, contrary to Section 22 (a) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008), failing to provide an animal with reasonable protection from injurious cold, contrary to Section 22 (d) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008), interfering and obstructing a person exercising powers under the Act, contrary to Section 18 (b) (1) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008), and failing to comply with direction pursuant to the Act, contrary to Section 18 (d) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia (2008).
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. |
