The Nova Scotia SPCA Investigations Department knows they’re making a difference in the lives of animals, which is why they don their uniforms each morning and wear their badges with pride.
“I think it’s important for people to know we’re here all the time – to answer the call for an animal in distress,” said Chief Inspector Kevin Strooband.
The Nova Scotia SPCA Investigations Department operates province-wide, vested with authority from the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, to provide enforcement under the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
These officers investigate, and where necessary, lay charges, conduct animal seizures, or issue orders of compliance to anyone suspected of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. The department employs Special Constables appointed under the Police Act of Nova Scotia.
Simply put, the Investigations team intervenes on behalf of animals. With compassion and care at the forefront, the officers serve as vigilant guardians, and they stand true to the SPCA name: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“Our job is vital because it’s vital to those animals,” Kevin emphasized.
But they’re more than just uniforms showing up at doors to address animal welfare concerns.
They’re all about education.
“There’s accountability for causing an animal to suffer or to be neglected, yes, but if there’s an opportunity to educate, we’ll do that,” Kevin said.
With more than 30 years of experience in addressing animal cruelty, Kevin emphasizes that their team’s approach involves working collaboratively with individuals – being kind and gentle – and, most importantly, leading with compassion, to the benefit of the animals.
Kevin reminds us that animals are among the most vulnerable beings in our society.
“We’re here for them,” Kevin said. “In Nova Scotia, it’s the SPCA who comes in and intervenes on their behalf, and we can hold someone accountable or educate them on the public’s behalf.”
In 2023, Nova Scotia SPCA inspectors responded to 1,411 cruelty investigations in the province and helped well over 2,000 animals – that’s just under four calls per day. In 2024, that number jumped 26%, responding to 1,911 calls and assisting more than 3,000 animals – that’s more than five calls every single day.
“Most Nova Scotians want to protect animals and make sure they are well looked after,” Kevin said. “With the SPCA, they know there’s somebody they can turn to.”
Residents in Nova Scotia can report animal cruelty and neglect by calling 1-888-703-7722, emailing animals@spcans.ca, or filling out an online complaint form available at novascotiaspca.ca.
Kevin says without this vital lifeline the needs of these animals may go unchecked. With 17 inspectors stationed across the province, they stand ready to respond to the call of duty.
And their passion for helping animals is what makes them effective in this important work.
“People say, you must love animals, and of course I do. But that’s an easy answer,” Kevin said.
He says there’s more to it – it’s about respecting them.
“When I see what animals go through in some of the horrible conditions that we as humans put them in, you see the resilience in animals,” Kevin said. “This leads to that respect – the respect for animals drives me forward.”
And this is exactly why they don their uniforms each morning and wear their badges with pride.
“I’ve seen animals in bad situations,” Kevin highlighted. “The veterinarians take them in and help them, just seeing them bounce back, that’s what makes it worth it.”
“We give animals a second chance.”