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The Government of Saskatchewan is working to open a request for proposals for organizations interested in enforcing the province’s animal welfare laws.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s current contract with Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS) is set to expire at the end of March.
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The organization currently provides enforcement around animal welfare for all of Saskatchewan except Regina, where the local humane society fills the enforcement role.
“This presents the ministry with an opportunity to work with a service provider under a new legislative framework to create a sustainable enforcement model and adapt to trade market standards all with the common goal of protecting animal welfare,” the agriculture ministry said in a statement.
“The ministry will work through the process to contract a new service provider to begin providing services as of April 1, 2026. Meanwhile, it will continue to work with APSS and all concerned parties to support a smooth transition of animal welfare enforcement services in the province.”
The ministry said it held consultations with service providers, producers groups and other stakeholders earlier this year in an effort to ensure its rules around animal welfare are “current and effective,” and determined some legislative changes were required.
“Key regulatory areas identified for updates include enhanced reporting requirements for agencies delivering animal protection services, strengthened enforcement provisions, and increased oversight of animal protection officers’ authorities,” the ministry explained.
The provincial government said it has spent more than $6.5 million on animal welfare enforcement over the past three years.
“Animal welfare is a priority for our government,” Daryl Harrison, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, said in a statement.
“I am grateful for the collaboration and expertise that the APSS brought to their work in ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals in the province over the last decade.”
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