Animal welfare advocates in New Brunswick are drawing attention to recent cases of animal cruelty and neglect, underscoring the importance of regulations for animal breeders. The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is currently involved in two significant cases before the courts, involving the seizure of over 100 animals from alleged illegal breeding operations. These cases highlight the need for pet establishment licenses and veterinary health certificates to protect both animals and owners.
In Belledune, N.B., Joyce Ann Robertson and Joan Elizabeth Robertson were charged with four offences under the Criminal Code and the provincial SPCA Act, including causing pain, suffering, or injury to animals, failing to provide necessary medical care, and maintaining animals in unsanitary conditions. The charges stem from an investigation in March 2025, where officers seized 42 Shih Tzus and one cat. The pair initially pleaded not guilty but changed their pleas to guilty on December 17, 2025, with sentencing scheduled for March 25, 2026, pending a pre-sentence report. This case underscores the challenges faced by animal protection agencies in addressing large-scale neglect.
A separate investigation in Madran, N.B., led to the seizure of 55 dogs, four puppies, and seven cats living in unsanitary conditions in August 2025. Annette Michelle Chittenden-McCool, now residing in Markdale, Ontario, faces charges under the Criminal Code and the SPCA Act for failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and care to the animals, as well as maintaining them in unsanitary conditions. She was scheduled to appear in Bathurst Provincial Court for the first time on February 17, 2026.
Importance of Pet Establishment Licenses
Don Metcalfe, Chief Animal Protection Officer with the NBSPCA, emphasized the concerning nature of these cases, stating that his agents “perform tirelessly and sometimes under hard conditions, to try to prevent this kind of situation.” The NBSPCA is using these cases to reinforce the importance of pet establishment licenses, which are mandatory for animal breeders in New Brunswick. These licenses, coupled with required veterinary certificates of health, aim to ensure transparency and accountability within the breeding industry.
According to the NBSPCA, the licensing process helps guarantee that animals are born, raised, and receive care in a safe and healthy environment, adhering to standards set by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association regarding kennel conditions. A valid permit number displayed publicly assures the public that an establishment meets high standards for housing, hygiene, feeding, watering, veterinary care, and overall animal welfare.
Record Year for Cruelty Reports
The NBSPCA’s annual report, published in the fall of 2025, revealed that 2024 was the busiest year in the organization’s 145-year history, with over 3,000 reports of animal cruelty and neglect received. Animal Protection in New Brunswick is enforced by the NBSPCA, with provisions in the SPCA Act and associated regulations designed to investigate and resolve complaints of animal cruelty. Individuals who suspect animal abuse or neglect are encouraged to report it to the NBSPCA at 1-877-722-1522.
Penalties for offences under the SPCA Act can range significantly. Failing to provide food, water, shelter, and care can result in fines between $500 and $200,000, while unsafe transport of a dog carries a penalty of $140 to $1,100. Other offences, such as abandoning an animal or selling an animal without a license, too carry substantial fines, as detailed on the Government of New Brunswick website.
As these cases progress through the courts, the NBSPCA continues to advocate for stronger animal welfare protections and increased public awareness regarding responsible pet ownership and the importance of regulating breeding practices. The sentencing hearings in both the Belledune and Madran cases will be closely watched by animal welfare advocates across the province.
If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, please contact the New Brunswick SPCA. Your report could help save an animal’s life.
