KINGS COUNTY SPCA
P.O. Box 248
Kentville, NS B4N 3W4
Phone: 902-538-9075

Please Note: When the staff are busy with animal care they will not be able to answer the phones personally but messages will be responded to within 24 hours.

About Us

History of the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty

In 1882, Nova Scotia became the first place in North America to pass laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the same year that Great Britain enacted their first animal cruelty laws. The Acts of Nova Scotia in 1824 made provisions for public whipping to be the punishment for persons convicted of cruelty to animals. The Nova Scotia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals became an incorporated society in 1877.

In 1880, the Society was vested with the authority to appoint agents that "shall have all the power and authority by law conferred upon peace officers and constables to secure compliance with any Act to be enforced for the prevention of cruelty to animals." The law was also amended to authorize the Society to deal with cruelty to children under sixteen years of age as well as animals. The prime function of the SPCA between 1880 and 1900 was the provision of marriage counseling and legal aid for estranged couples and harassed spouses, usually at the instigation of the wife. Also in that year, the Provincial body was authorized and empowered to organize branch Societies, which would be under the control of and subject to the direction of the parent Society.

The Nova Scotia Department of Social Services took over the care of children and helpless persons in 1906. The animals' need for protection remained in the caring hands of the Society.

In 1914, the name of the Society was changed by deleting the word "animals" in its title, and the law was changed to authorize the society to have all the powers which are vested in a Children's Aid Society under the provisions of the Children's Protection Act; although the Nova Scotia Department of Social Services had taken over the actual care of helpless persons eight years earlier. As recently as 1932, the Nova Scotia SPCA was still helping to prevent cruelty to children by investigating and reporting such events.

In 1917 and 1918 following the Halifax explosion the Society assisted with approximately 1,500 injured and/or orphaned children. With the assistance of two agents and cash from the Massachusetts SPCA, the Nova Scotia SPC repaired and reconstructed approximately 250 barns.

For twenty-five years the Society was not only empowered by the prevention of cruelty to animals, but also for the care of Nova Scotia's citizens. The report for the Society year ending in December 31, 1932 showed 108 parents warned and 155 children benefiting from these warnings. They also moved 100 helpless persons to shelter. In the same period 1272 horses were inspected, resulting in 589 owners and drivers being warned.

The Society owned and operated an animal shelter in the city of Halifax until late 1985. At that time the Society found it necessary to sell the shelter due to financial constraints. For five years from 1986-1991, the Society found itself providing its services in the Halifax Metro area handicapped by the fact that it could not operate a shelter. The Society also had provincial obligations and was expected to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty throughout the province. It provides these means by enforcing all laws which now exist or may exist in the future for the protection of animals as well as a humane education program.

In 1988, a gentleman by the name of John A, Kennedy passed away leaving a sizeable bequest to the organization. Due to the monies received from this bequest, the dedication and co-operation by the newly formed Halifax Metro branch, the Provincial board and staff, the Society was able to open the doors of its newly constructed Halifax Metro SPCA Animal Shelter in Dartmouth on January 10, 1991. This shelter serves the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth, the towns of Bedford and Sackville and the rest of Halifax County.

On March 10, 1992, a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the newly built Halifax Metro SPCA Animal Shelter. Worst of all, four animals were killed in the fire. Arson was suspected although no one was formally charged. On June 26, 1992, the doors of the reconstructed Halifax Metro SPCA Animal Shelter were reopened

The Society is the parent body to eleven very active branches located around the province. They service the following areas: Halifax Regional Municipality, Antigonish, Cape Breton, Colchester, Queens, Hants, Kings, Lunenberg, Pictou, Shelburne and Yarmouth. Four of these branches maintain animal shelters: Halifax Regional, Cape Breton, Pictou and Yarmouth.

On February 1, 1997, an Act to Prevent Cruelty to Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress was proclaimed law in Nova Scotia. This Act was developed by members of the Nova Scotia SPCA and members of the Bide Awhile Shelter Society and replaced legislation in existence since 1877.

Society Peace Officers will have significant power under the Act. Violators can be fined for a first or second offence and in default of payment to imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment. A third subsequent offence would net a larger fine and in default of payment to imprisonment or to both fine and imprisonment.

The Society has Provincial Investigators aided by numerous Special Constables appointed by the Department of Justice throughout the province. The majority of these Special Constables are volunteers. SPCA Special Constables may seize and impound animals found neglected or being cruelly treated upon certification of a veterinarian. The SPCA also enforces sections of the Criminal Code of Canada which pertain to cruelty to animals.

In many cases, animals are left to exist in conditions far below the acceptable standards because they have no voice of their own. SPCA Special Constables rely on information received from concerned citizens to lead them to animals in need of the Society's help. It is their job to speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves.

Today the Nova Scotia SPCA is involved solely with the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of humane education. The Society maintains and education program which is available to provincial schools. They also have a resource centre for students and teachers who want information on animal-related topics. The Society is a private agency that relies almost entirely on support from the general public by way of donations, memberships and bequests.

Anyone wishing to report acts of cruelty or neglect, organize branches in their area, or obtain further information on the Society and its activities can contact the Provincial Office.