Animal Welfare

The Department of Environment is responsible for the enforcement of the Animal Protection Act and sections of the Criminal Code of Canada, for farm animals. We have jurisdiction for the entire province. We are also available to respond to general inquiries about animal welfare.

If you wish to contact us, or file a concern about a farm animal in distress, please call: 1-877-9ENVIRO (1-877-936-8476) or email: ICE@novascotia.ca. You will be asked to provide specific information about your concerns. We request first-hand, timely and detailed information about the animals and/or the situation in order to initiate an on-site inspection.

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Animal Health Programs

Cattle Herd Health Assistance Program

Purpose: To encourage cattle owners to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of herd health, through the application of the principles of preventative medicine.

• Program Information
• Application Form

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Sheep Herd Health Program

Purpose: To encourage purebred and commercial sheep flock owners to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of flock health, through application of the principles of preventative medicine.

• Program Information
• Application Form

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Swine Herd Health Program

Purpose: To minimize disease in swine herds through herd inspections, recording of disease findings, adoption of procedures to reduce or eradicate common disease already present, and to prevent the introduction of other diseases.

• Program Information
• Application Form

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Mink Ranch Health Program

Purpose: To encourage mink breeders to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of ranch mink health, through the application of the principles of bio-security and preventative medicine.

• Program Information
• Application Form