Starting on January 1, 2020, government inspectors will take over all animal cruelty and welfare investigations.
The new Provincial Animal Welfare Service Act comes into effect and the Windsor Essex Humane Society will no longer investigate animal welfare cases.
"Any concerns about animal welfare complaints, any animals being neglected or abused should go to the government directly because they will be responsible for investigating," said Melanie Coulter, executive director with the Windsor Essex Humane Society.
The humane society will continue to offer its other services to animals in need in the community.
"We shelter homeless animals and provide them with care and veterinary treatment, behaviour rehabilitation. We provide a lot of education and support to the community and of course offer our low-cost spay and neuter services," said Coulter.
After December 31, if you suspect an animal is being neglected or abused you can report it to the government enforcement service at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
Coulter said she is confident the system put in place will provide the enforcement needed to protect animals in the community.
"We will certainly be watching, we want to make sure that the system works as it's expected. The new legislation is positive, it has some really positive aspects that will help enforcement. something we've wanted to see for a while," said Coulter.
