A herd of cattle enjoying the sunny day during a typical Canadian winter (ID 18946704 © Knapjames Dreamstime.com)

By Alice McFarlane

Animal protection Services

Saskatchewan Animal Enforcement Agency to take over animal welfare

Jan 19, 2026 | 2:42 PM

Saskatchewan Animal Enforcement Agency (SAEA) will become the new animal welfare agency in Saskatchewan as of April 1.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said the decision is part of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of all animals in the province.

“Our government’s new partnership with the SAEA continues to ensure animal welfare enforcement in our province,” Marit said. “Together, we are looking to the future of animal protection that continues to deliver effective and compassionate enforcement for Saskatchewan residents and their animals.”

Following the decision of Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan to discontinue its operations effective March 31, the Ministry of Agriculture opened a public competition for a new service provider.

The SAEA was the successful organization with long-term operational plans that meet the ministry’s expectations for enforcement of the Animal Protection Act. The SAEA will provide animal enforcement services for Saskatchewan, excluding the City of Regina where the Regina Humane Society already provides this service.

Excite Lethbridge

Cultivating Community: How Excite Lethbridge Is Growing Agriculture in Southern Alberta

9h ago

Rocky Ag Society takes the E.A.T tour on the road

15h ago

MLAs clash over foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farmland

Nov 10, 2025

SAEA Board Chair Chief Russ Austin said the agency looks forward to working with the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other external stakeholders in the province.

“The SAEA was created with the focus of delivering education and enforcement services with integrity, professionalism and transparency in all that we do,” Austin said.

The provincial government said the amendments will strengthen the protection of animals by creating a new animal welfare inspector position and establishing a code of conduct for animal protection officers, as well as other enhancements.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com