Animal protection officers in Regina looking for more support

REGINA – The heart-tugging story of Bruce Almighty has brought the issue of animal abuse front and centre in Regina.

Each year, the Humane Society investigates around 600 cases of abuse.

“That is attributable to the awareness by the public, which is excellent. Whereas before people may have let an animal suffer, now people are coming forward more often,” said Lisa Koch, executive director of the society.

About $300,000 is spent annually to enforce the animal protection act.

In 2014, 31 local cases of abuse were before the courts, but it’s difficult to police.

Some repeat offenders have been on officers’ radar for five years.

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“We have lots of room for improvement with our animal protection laws. They definitely don’t reflect what public opinion is,” said Koch.

Those laws were last updated in 2010. According to Saskatchewan’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Betty Althouse, changes included tougher consequences for violators.

“The maximum charges are up to $25, 000 in fines, or two years in jail. More importantly there can be prohibitions on animal ownership,” Althouse said.

The Humane Society thinks the legislation doesn’t go far enough.

Diana Bishop has worked as an animal protection officer for five years. She wants legislation that recognizes “the psychological needs of an animal and penalties related to that.”

Bishop said there’s three things that make it tough to press charges. The animals can’t tell officers what happened, witnesses are often hesitant to come forward and evidence is hard to find.

Already in 2015, Bishop is seeing a rise in the number of abuse cases resulting in charges.

“What we want, is the animals to be ok, and we don’t need animals at the humane society. Ultimately we want animals to remain in their homes,” she said.