Feature: A Bella Bella vision
Oct 2, 2009
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On a tiny island off the misty Rain Coast of British Columbia, a community and its dogs are proof that dreams of a better life can be realized, with understanding and cooperation. WSPA Canada’s Michelle Cliffe reports…
From the window of our tiny plane, I hold my breath as shimmering lakes, mountains, deep green forests and vast expanses of wild lands slip beneath us. In just one hour, we are transported from bustling Vancouver to quiet, picture-perfect Campbell Island – accessible year-round only by plane – and the tiny community of Bella Bella, home to the Heiltsuk First Nation.
Like many other First Nations communities in Canada, Bella Bella has no veterinarian. The closest one is a 30-minute plane ride that many people can’t afford. Lack of access is part of the reason why dogs in many First Nations communities don’t fare well.
WSPA has been working with dogs in First Nations communities since the early 90s, partnering with groups across the country, one of which is Big Heart Rescue who has had a tremendous impact in Bella Bella.
When Big Heart Rescue first visited Bella Bella in the 90s, there was a serious problem. Dogs roamed the streets in packs, chasing cars and people, and scavenged for food at the dump. Parvo, distemper and mange were common and the incidence of dog bites was high. The community was controlling the problem by the only means they felt they had -- shooting the dogs.
Working towards a brighter future
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Big Heart, like WSPA, believes that a solution combining education, sterilization, vaccination, healthcare, and ownership regulations or licensing is the most effective. What has happened in Bella Bella is the proof.
Today, most of Bella Bella’s animals are sterilized. Parvo and distemper have been eradicated, and dog shooting is a sad page in history. Big Heart travels to Bella Bella twice a year to run clinics, offering free vaccinations, checkups and education programs. They also arrange for dogs to be flown out and sterilized – free of charge courtesy of Pacific Coastal Airlines.
Our trip to Bella Bella was to see results from years of hard work, the positive effects of this approach and the work WSPA has been funding…
Day 1
To my surprise, the RCMP was at the airport to pick us up. As the weekend went on, I came to understand how committed they are to the community and its dogs.
The clinic was being held in the science lab at the local school and we quickly converted it into a field veterinary clinic.
Day 2
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The RCMP often responds to dogs in Bella Bella who are found in distress after being hit by cars. It can take up to 72 hours to fly injured dogs to a vet in Port Hardy, and the need to stabilize them and ease their pain in the interim is critical.
On this trip, Big Heart’s dedicated vets conducted first aid training for an officer from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the RCMP and a volunteer from another remote community.
There was a steady stream of animals at the clinic, held later that day, and by the end of the weekend we’d treated 62 animals. What was amazing is that the vast majority of the animals were already sterilized and in really good health.
The unofficial mobile vet clinic
The RCMP and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) are deeply involved in this project, and know every dog on the island. When they noticed several dogs absent from the clinic, they decided to take it ‘on the road’. An unofficial vet clinic opened at a crossroads in the centre of town and before we knew it we were surrounded by dogs and children.
The fact that we could drive around to do treatments was incredible. RCMP and DFO involvement was critical to this, but so was the desire to do it. The wonderful ‘side effect’ was interacting with the children to educate and inspire them, even if just a little.
Day 3 – Denny Island
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Approximately 100 people and 60 dogs live on Denny Island. Word of the clinic spread, and there was a steady stream of owners and animals, including the owners of Bandit, a 12-year-old Malamute wolf cross, and Oliver, a spunky four-year-old miniature schnauzer who was covered in matts.
As I listened to their story, I began to see why. His fur is subjected to trips through forest, bramble, and sand topped off with swims in the ocean, and he is terrified of clippers and brushes. He was treated to a haircut, and the photo of him in a new red sweater says it all.
The road ahead
After seeing the results of this work, it’s hard to imagine what life for the animals used to be like. It has been successful, but there is still work to be done. Bylaws are needed, as is a deeper understanding of the importance of vaccination, sterilization and responsible pet ownership, and there is still no vet in Bella Bella.
WSPA will be funding another Big Heart Rescue clinic this fall, and we are working with the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, and other key stakeholders to develop a national strategy to help dogs in First Nations communities.
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