New animal welfare agency in Saskatchewan

Jan 21, 2026
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

The Saskatchewan Animal Enforcement Agency will replace Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewanians with concerns about pets and animals will have a new point of contact beginning April 1.

The Saskatchewan Animal Enforcement Agency (SAEA) will take on the responsibilities formerly held by Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS).

"Together, we are looking to the future of animal protection that continues to deliver effective and compassionate enforcement for Saskatchewan residents and their animals,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a Jan. 19 statement.

In November, APSS announced it wouldn’t renew its contract with the provincial government.

APSS has overseen animal welfare in Saskatchewan since 2015 and will officially cease operations on March 31 of this year.

This led to public consultations with SAEA emerging as the preferred organization to handle province-wide enforcement (except for Regina) of animal protection laws.

"The Saskatchewan Animal Enforcement Agency looks forward to working with the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other external stakeholders in the province," Board Chair Russ Austin, who is also chief of the Warman Fire Department, said in the statement. "The SAEA was created with the focus of delivering education and enforcement services with integrity, professionalism and transparency in all that we do."

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.