Report Animal Cruelty or Neglect

The City of St. John's has three trained provincial inspectors that enforce the province's legislation for companion animals.

Report a suspected case of neglect or cruelty in St. John's

Access St. John's: Phone: 311 or 709-754-2489

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers across the province have authority to do animal protection enforcement for farm animals. For farm animals (including horses) report concerns to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer. Officers working in the Department of Natural Resources can then conduct a proper investigation.

For urgent matters, please contact your local RNC or RCMP Detachment.

Animal Protection Legislation

Domestic animals in this province are protected by both federal and provincial laws.

The primary piece of federal legislation is the Criminal Code of Canada, which applies to willful acts of cruelty or neglect. Section 264.1 covers threats conveyed to a person to kill, injure or poison an animal. Sections 444 to 447 address cruelty directly and are contained in the Part XI "Willful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property”.

The provincial legislation protecting domestic animals is the Animal Health and Protection Act, with eight sets of accompanying regulations. They came into effect May 2, 2012.

Section 68 of the Animal Health and Protection Act (AHPA) provides for the appointment of inspectors by the Minister of Natural Resources to enforce provisions of the Act and its regulations. It also designates members of the RCMP and RNC as inspectors. The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and staff veterinarians are designated as well. Under Section 77, a municipal authority may be designated by the minister to administer provisions of the Act.