Animal Welfare Investigations
One of the roles of the Chief Veterinary Officer is to respond to complaints regarding animal welfare. When a report is received, an investigation is conducted by an Animal Protection Officer (APO) to determine whether the animal owner is complying with The Animal Care Act. The APO then recommends the appropriate action. The section below gives a list of potential results of an investigation.
Potential Results of an Investigation
Dismissal: A concern is dismissed if the investigation produces no evidence of abuse or animal(s) in distress.
Corrective action: For minor infractions, the APO outlines improvements the owner must make. A follow-up investigation is performed to ensure the owner has complied.
Seizure of animals: If there are reasonable grounds to believe animals are in distress, the APO may supply any care deemed necessary to relieve the distress. Under section 9(1) of the act, the APO may also seize the animal(s), either immediately or at a later date. Seizure of animal(s) is for the purpose of protecting the animals and relieving distress, and is not a form of punishment for the owner. The cost of care associated with a seizure are the responsibility of the animal owner.
Charges under the act: If infractions to The Animal Care Act are discovered, the matter is investigated and charges may be filed. Charges may include:
- Common Offence Notice (CON) / fines
- Court prosecution
Investigation Process
For more information, please contact the Animal Care Line, or call 204-945-8000 (in Winnipeg); 1-888-945-8001 (toll free).
