Included in the provincial budget was an increase of $800,000 for Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan to include Saskatoon in its jurisdiction. Previously, animal protection services in the city was the responsibility of the Saskatoon SPCA, but its executive director, says it was all funded by donation, and it became too onerous.

Graham Dickson says they asked the province last year for $650,000 to do the job, but were turned down. He emphasizes that the animals in distress will still be brought to the Saskatoon SPCA for shelter.

Dickson says no longer having this financial burden means being able to focus more on prevention and the SPCA’s other services. He considers the budget announcement a victory for animal welfare in this province. Dickson also notes that the Saskatoon SPCA will be asking for a funding increase from the City of Saskatoon to operate the City Pound, because he suggest now they receive less than half of what it actually costs.

APSS, the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Police Service are collaborating to provide enforcement as of April 1st, with the provincial team to take over fully by the fall.