The New Brunswick SPCA shared news of a court case the association was involved in that resulted in guilty pleas to an illegal breeding operation.
NBSPCA animal protection officers first responded in March 2025 to a complaint of an alleged illegal breeding operation in the northern end of the province.
An investigation found animals at the Belledune property were living in conditions that did not prioritize their health and wellbeing.
Officers seized 42 shih-tzus and a cat from the location; all of them have since been adopted thanks to the NBSPCA’s shelter partners.
The two responsible were both charged with multiple offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the provincial SPCA Act. Both initially entered not-guilty pleas, but those changed to guilty on Dec. 17, 2025.
On April 16, 2026, both pled guilty to two offences under the SPCA Act; failure to provide adequate care and maintaining animals in unsanitary conditions.
Both offenders paid $500 per offence, resulting in a total of $2000. They were also ordered to pay $6,848 each in restitution to the NBSPCA: a total of $13,696.
The two also pleaded guilty to a charge of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals, resulting in a 15-year ban from owning, caring for, having control of, or residing with any animal or bird.
An exception was made for the couple’s currently owned and registered service animal.
Lastly, both individuals received 12 months of supervised probation, which includes basic orders as well as allowing up to three announced visits by an NBSPCA animal protection officer, complying with all directions from the animal protection officer and/or veterinarian regarding the standard of care for the service animal, and to follow any counselling or therapy deemed necessary by a probation officer.
“This case underscores the serious consequences of illegal breeding and failing to provide proper care to animals,” said Don Metcalfe, the NBSPCA’s Chief Animal Protection Officer. “April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which serves as a reminder that animal welfare is a shared responsibility. The public plays a critical role by reporting suspected animal cruelty and neglect, which allows our officers to investigate and take action.”
He also said New Brunswickers should always check for a Pet Establishment License and Veterinary Certificate of Health when purchasing a pet.
“By asking the right questions, pet owners can be confident that the facility meets a high standard of care, and their new pet is in good health,” said Metcalfe. “If anything doesn’t seem right, we encourage the public to contact the NBSPCA.”
