Our past companion animal work in Canada
© WSPA
Dogs have always played a significant role in the lives of First Nations peoples. For centuries, they were relied upon to hunt, work, provide food, wool and companionship, and were the subjects of myths and legends passed down over generations.
Today, while dogs still play an important role in the lives of First Nations people, communities are struggling to cope with the problem of dog overpopulation and strays. Many communities are remote with little or no access to veterinarians, and as a result the dogs are generally in poor health.
The cost of veterinary services and the location of animal clinics (some are hundreds of kilometres away) makes vaccinations, sterilization and emergency care for injured animals almost impossible. Without these services, preventing unwanted births and keeping dogs healthy is near impossible.
Abandonment is another serious problem. Owners who are unable to provide food and shelter for their animals turn the dogs out to fend for themselves – sometimes in extreme temperatures. While most of these dogs are friendly and well socialized, they can form packs that become a health and safety danger for the community.
The sad reality is that many communities are forced to cull their dogs using inhumane methods. Without access to veterinarians or education to promote responsible pet ownership, thousands of animals suffer inhumane deaths each year. Most people in these communities are not happy with this reality, but often feel that there are no options.
History of WSPA's work with First Nations Dogs
© WSPA
Since 1999, WSPA has been working with First Nations communities across Canada to help. From 2000 to 2006, WSPA worked with several Cree communities in the James Bay Region of Quebec, in collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, conducting sterilization clinics, offering vaccinations, providing children with humane education and training animal control officers. Hundreds of dogs were sterilized, preventing the unwanted births of literally thousands of animals.
In 2007, WSPA brought together First Nations peoples, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, the Assembly of First Nations and the Chiefs of Ontario to discuss dogs on First Nations land. For the first time, these stakeholders came together to consider the problem on a national level.
In 2008 and 2009, Josey Kitson of WSPA Canada visited a spay/neuter clinic managed by our member society the Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force.
In 2009, Josey Kitson participated in a clinic for the animals of the First Nations community of Bella Bella, British Columbia, run by member society Big Heart Rescue.
In September 2009, WSPA and member society Big Heart Rescue visited the First Nations community of Bella Coola to run a Healthy Dog and Cat Clinic. Over 241 animals were seen during the two day event.
Where we're heading
Thanks to key partners in the First Nations and animal welfare communities like Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force and Big Heart Rescue, WSPA has made significant progress towards raising awareness of the need for humane dog management programs on First Nations' land. To ensure full First Nations' ownership and participation in future work, WSPA's role is changing. As of 2011, we will participate in future work on a consultancy basis providing advice and guidance as needed on running dog management programs. We are excited that our First Nations partners are taking the lead on improving the lives of dogs and people living within their communities.
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