lawyers – Winnipeg Free Press

While the province says it is working to fulfill a campaign promise to expand mobile rural spay and neuter clinics, it's too late for stray dogs in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.

Last month, a notice signed by two of the group's four councilors (but not chief Gary Roberts) was distributed to residents, saying a local member was “authorized to deal with stray dogs in the community, effective immediately… We (man) will do whatever is necessary to combat this increasingly dangerous problem in our community.” authorize the use of force, including lethal force.”

The message said all members of the community were warned to keep their pets on a leash so they would not join the hunt.

Despite repeated calls, chiefs and band council at the First Nation, less than 100 kilometers south of Winnipeg, did not return calls for comment.

A spokeswoman for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said its chief would not comment on the matter.

A member of the Manitoba Dog Rescue, who did not want to be named, said they heard the killing happened on Jan. 22.

Elsewhere, Leah Arcand is the founder of Save Rez Dogs, a Saskatchewan-based organization that uses advocacy, education and fundraising to encourage communities to help dogs and dog owners so they don't end up needing to be euthanized. to hear the news.

“When solutions are ignored, the problem gets bigger and bigger,” Arcand said. “Dogs are not given priority.

“Manitoba is not the only province dealing with livestock culling. It happens all over Canada. There needs to be more education and awareness of what's going on,” he said on Wednesday.

“Community members need support in all areas of their lives, including pet ownership. There should be a special department at the animal group office level.”

Asked for comment on the issue, Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said: “As promised in the campaign, our (NDP) government is committed to expanding mobile spay and neuter services and we will work with the (Winnipeg) humane society and communities to invest. in these critical programs… We know that community-based solutions based on local experiences and needs can help build long-term sustainability.”

WHS CEO Jessica Miller said the organization is excited about the funding pledge for a mobile spay/neuter clinic, as well as a recent video message from Premier Wab Kinew encouraging people about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. still waiting for an official announcement.

“Manitoba has had another community massacre since the video, and other communities have experienced traumatic claims of individual dog shootings (and) freezing of animals and believe we will be in the same situation,” Miller said.

“Together, with more funding and effort in this area, I know we can ensure access and access to these vital services. The time to deliver on this election promise is now – the people and animals in our community deserve it.”

While the humane society opposes the killing of dogs, it recognizes the danger posed by large groups of dogs, Miller said. Among the dog population management methods is its own mobile spay/neuter clinic: The One Health Program.

In 2023, the program examined 1,737 animals in 23 northern, remote and indigenous communities, and performed 1,198 spays, neuters and implants.

“I wish we could have done more,” Miller said. “We knew the dog was gone, but not before it happened. We hope to help Roseau River in the future.

“We have requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to see how we can help them fulfill their election promises. We have the experience and know how to do it. If I can repeat our health team five or 10 times, I know we can do it.”

A spokesperson for the opposition Progressive Conservatives said in a statement: “Like many of the NDP's promises, Manitobans are still waiting for action. So far they have only seen cuts to schools, nurseries, care homes and surgeries while waiting for any plan from this government.”

[email protected]

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is one of the most versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether covering city hall, the courts, or general reporting, you can count on Rollason to not only answer the 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—but to do so in an engaging and accessible way for readers. .

Read full bio