The Nova Scotia SPCA has cancelled contracts with eight of 16 municipalities.

It includes by-law enforcement in Yarmouth County, Clare, Wolfville, East Hants, Pictou County and Stewiacke.

Chief of animal operations Heather Woodin says officers were enforcing two sets of legislation, and the demand was causing burnout.

“It’s very important to note that this is specifically municipal by-law related. The SPCA continues to provide animal protection act services, which relates to animal cruelty,” says Woodin.

No employment was affected by the decision, and shelters continue to operate.

By-law complaints include things like dog feces, pickups or complaints of dogs running loose.

“There were times where a by-law call could pull us away from our important animal cruelty work. We wanted to make sure we continue to focus on the cruelty work that we do.”

Woodin says they’ve been working with the affected units to make sure there are no gaps.

She says there are no plans to review the other eight municipal contracts.

Woodin adds the changes will give the SPCA more capacity to help communities, including re-homing animals.