The provincial government unveiled new regulations Thursday that cover the sale of cats and dogs and how long animals can be tethered.

Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell said in a news release the new standards will help ensure cats and dogs are properly cared for and protected.

The new rules came into effect Dec. 2.

The new rules forbid tethering for more than 12 consecutive hours, and require a certificate of health from a veterinarian to sell a cat or dog.

Enforcement officials can write summary offence tickets for violations, with the fines ranging from $200 to $700.

The Nova Scotia SPCA applauds the new rules.

"When we go out to the homes, we're going to be able to really have a bit of bite to our words," said CEO Elizabeth Murphy.

"So when we see that the water bowl's not filled or the food bowl's not filled or that there's a dog in crisis, then we will be able to use the tools that the minister has given us through these regulations to create action."

More than 300 Nova Scotians provided input into the new regulations and standards.