WSPA calls for long-term solutions for dogs in First Nations communities

Feb 3, 2010

WSPA believes that long-term solutions are the most effective way to solve the dog problem in First Nations communities.
© WSPA

The recent and tragic death of a child in a Saskatchewan First Nation community, after he was attacked by a pack of roaming dogs, has prompted much concern and discussion about how to prevent this from happening again. Many people are calling for a cull of all roaming dogs, but WSPA has seen evidence that culling does not work in the long term.

Without formal rules (such as bylaws or licensing) on dogs living in a community, education on responsible animal ownership and access to veterinary care for vaccination and sterilization, the problem persists.

WSPA has been working on this issue since 1999, and together with other animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and First Nations representatives we aim to develop a national strategy for dogs in First Nations communities.

WSPA is advocating for solutions that address the root causes of the dog problem:

Education to change hearts and minds

Regular checkups and treatment can prevent disease and suffering. Here, a dog recieves a checkup at a clinic in Bella Bella, a First Nations community in BC.
© WSPA

The realities of life in First Nations communities often mean that animal welfare is low on the list of priorities. Animals, though considered valuable members of the community, are often left to roam freely and the idea of ‘owning’ a dog and always keeping it indoors is not a commonly accepted one.

So, part of the solution is to inform people about how to care for animals in the community – regardless of whether they live indoors or out – and the benefits of keeping their animals close to home.

Sterilization to ensure everyone is wanted

In many cultures, including First Nations, there is a belief that sterilization will change the nature and spirit of the animal. Not only is this far from the truth, but when animals are not sterilized they can become more aggressive, and they instinctively want to roam during mating season. This puts the dogs and the community at risk, and it increases the number of dogs that are homeless and unwanted.

Vaccination and healthcare for well communities

No one wants disease in a community, and no one wants to see a dog suffer. The simple act of giving regular vaccines and checkups can prevent dog bites and attacks, the spread of disease, and the unnecessary suffering of dogs.

Licensing and regulations to set the ground rules

A key part of monitoring a dog population and ensuring it stays healthy is to set rules around ownership, have an identification system, or to require that each dog has a licence. This way, if a dog is roaming, diseased or injured it can be identified and helped. It also encourages people to be responsible for their dogs, and can set limits on the number of dogs people can have.

Find out more about our work with dogs in First Nations communities >>