Reporting

Companion Animals

For small companion animals (primarily dogs and cats), reports are to be made to municipal enforcement authorities.  However, not all municipalities enforce animal welfare laws. Currently, the following municipalities enforce the animal protection provisions:

• St. John’s (Animal control dial 311)
• Mount Pearl (Animal control dial 709-748-1016)
• Conception Bay South (Call Humane Services at 834-6552 or email enforcement@conceptionbaysouth.ca
• Wabana (Animal control 709-488-2990
• Carbonear (Animal control 709-596-3831)
• Placentia (Animal Control 709-227-2151)
• Gander (Local Police / Animal Control 709-256-4065)
• Lab City (Animal Control 709-944-2621)

For emergencies, the public should call the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or their local RCMP Detachment.  There are two ways to report acts of cruelty.  For emergencies, call 911. For most cases, contact the local detachment of the RNC by phone (animal cruelty is not a crime that can be reported online).  The RCMP does not allow for reporting online (via email, or any other means) for animal cruelty either.

Farmed animals

For concerns relating to farm animals (including horses), contact the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer by calling 709-729-6879 or emailing  animalwelfare@gov.nl.ca.

Members of the public can call local RNC or RCMP Detachment, to report serious or emergency matters concerning farm animals. Only some municipalities have the authority to investigate reports specifically involving equines. Members of the public can call their municipal office to confirm. If there is no municipal authority, all calls are to be directed to the local RNC or RCMP detachment. Learn more.

Investigations and Enforcement

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the RCMP have the authority to enforce provincial and federal animal laws. They, along with interested municipalities and Conservation Officers with the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, are the primary enforcers of municipal, provincial and federal animal laws. Learn more.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) is Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Police Service. It employs approximately 420 police officers and 125 civilian employees working in various aspects of policing.  There is not a dedicated animal protection team. Learn more.