Dear Minister,

I understand that as the Minister of Agriculture, you are mandated under Nova Scotia’s Animal Protection Act to regulate animal protection and prevention of cruelty. Currently, there are no laws regulating dog breeding practices in the Province. For example, there is no:

• minimum breeding age,

• maximum number of litters,

• mandatory rest period between litters, or

• mandatory retirement age.

This means that in Nova Scotia, breeders can start breeding dogs before they’ve matured, and breed them consecutively without rest or recovery time for the dog’s entire life, legally.

Other parts of the world, like the UK, regulate dog breeding. For example, the UK legislated a maximum of 4 litters in a dog’s lifetime. In Nova Scotia, there are many examples of dogs being forced to have at least 10 litters.

Without regulation, the SPCA is powerless. We need to empower the SPCA through the enactment of laws so that they can enforce ethical practices. Otherwise, unethical breeders (or “puppy mills”) will continue to operate and prosper.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” In Nova Scotia, we demand more than the bare minimum of food, water, and shelter for companion animals. We demand a good quality of life and protection from the abuses of over-breeding.

As the Minister of Agriculture, you are responsible for regulating the way our province’s animals are treated. I would like to know what steps you plan to take to address this issue.

I look forward to your response.

Thank you.