SAINT JOHN, N.B. – It will cost Saint John over $400,000 for its new deal with the local SPCA, after months of negotiating and the possible closure of the SPCA in the city.

Amy Poffenroth, the new city building inspector, worked on the new five-year animal control act for the city and says the act will not include picking up stray cats unless they are sick or diseased.

Poffenroth says the new deal will see extended hours of service.

“This offers citizens extended hours to call with complaints, some evening hours during the week and weekend hours.”

Fines for not following the animal control act will be in the range of $250 to $2,100.