Dog cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan is at an all time high, as farmers view dogs as workers and laborers rather than the companions that they are. This view causes them to overwork and even sometimes abuse them if they do not perform as well as they wanted. This can be from learned behaviors that may have been passed down from parents, or that farmers typically view animals as resources. For example pigs and cows are used for food, so if dogs aren't used for food they must find another way to use them, which in most cases is for work around the farm. In many cases this leads to physical abuse towards the dogs. 

Dogs on farms in Saskatchewan also face neglect. A news report from CBC states that 70 dogs were seized from a Regina-area farm after animal cruelty investigations discovered that the dogs have been neglected. They faced many problems with their food, water, shelter and general care which resulted in them being taken away. 

Why are these dog cruelty situations occurring in Saskatchewan?

Compared to other provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan's fines are significantly lower. According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center website, Ontario and Quebec stand out because of their high enforcements and fines. If caught showing cruelty towards dogs in Ontario fines are up to $60,000, and Quebec fines are up to $250,000. Saskatchewan fines only get to $25,000, which reduces the overall effectiveness of the penalties. 

What has caused this huge problem to arise now in Saskatchewan? 

Karen Briere from the Western Producer said, the provincial government is currently looking for a new agency to provide animal welfare support across all areas of Saskatchewan (not including the city of Regina). As of right now this agency is the Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS). Farms and rural areas also fall under their jurisdiction. The APSS has decided not to renew their contract this year and will be done as of March 31st, 2026. They did not provide more information for their decision despite requests for it.  

This change is impacting dog cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan because there is less attention from the provincial government going towards the dogs on farms in need but rather towards who is coming to take their spot next. This could be why it took so long for a cruelty investigation to occur at the Regina-area farm, and why it got so bad that 70 dogs were affected. This suggests why this problem is at an all time high now, as we are transitioning and in the middle of a big change.

 

Why It Matters?

This issue matters to me personally because I have a pet dog that I love very much. I would never want him to, nor could imagine him being in pain or suffering for any reason. I am sure many of you can relate to this feeling because you have dogs of your own as well. Throughout my life I have witnessed dogs being treated poorly, especially on farms.

Dogs have no voice to stand up for themselves, so we must do it for them. I have always wanted to help which is why I am starting this petition to help dogs facing cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan. 

This issue does not just affect dogs, but also many other things you might not even realize. William DeKay from the Western Producer says that dog cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan has a negative impact on communities, ecosystems and individuals. This is mostly due to the connection between human violence and dog cruelty. According to Humane World for Animals, 71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets. 

Failure to address dog cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan can lead to severe consequences that impact animal welfare, public health, human well-being and the agricultural industry's overall reputation.

 

What Actions Can you do to help?

Simple ways to help:

• Sign this petition to help dogs on farms across Saskatchewan that are facing cruelty.
• Donate money if able or time and volunteer at organizations such as the Animal Protective Services of Saskatchewan (APSS) till March 31, 2026, or the next agency that will take over.
• Donate money if able or time and volunteer at local animal shelters. Doing this will help create more help and space for dogs in need and allow more to be seized from bad situations.
• Spread awareness to others, the more people who stand up for dogs the more that will be saved.

Challenging ways to help:

• Adopt a dog from a shelter that has been seized from an unsafe home. This provides that dog with a good home and leaves space for another dog to be rescued and brought to a shelter. 
• Become an advocate for dogs facing cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan; start an organization, or perhaps speak at events to spread awareness.

What needs to happen in order to see a big difference in this problem is for veterinary care to be free for all dogs, as well as a drop in prices for dog food, beds, houses, toys, etc. Many people state the reason they are neglecting their dogs is due to how expensive it is to take care of them. If these necessities were cheaper and veterinary care was free many more dogs would be taken care of and have better health overall. 

Attitudes about dogs in an agriculture setting needs to be adjusted by farmers. Dogs are not utilities and should not be abused because of the work they are being forced to do. They are companions and should be treated as such. 

Signing this petition is not going to end dog cruelty on farms across Saskatchewan. However it is a start, and we must start somewhere.

So let's start here, together! Please sign this petition, if you want to see a change.