97 strays from province’s north headed to Alberta animal rescues
Almost 100 animals were removed from northern Saskatchewan communities Sunday. Organizers said the effort has given the animals a second chance.
The roundup, focused on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and its surrounding communities, took 95 dogs and two cats out of the remote areas.
The effort is a collaboration between various organizations, including the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Northern Animal Rescue and Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary. Saving Grace is preparing the animals for transfer to rescue groups in Alberta, where they’ll receive veterinary checks and be put up for adoption.
“It’s pitiful to see a dog that’s cold and hungry and you can tell it’s not being fed,” said Lac La Ronge band councillor Ann Ratt, adding she hopes the removal is positive for the animals and the community. “I think the dogs going to the homes are going to be much better.”
Ratt said the aim of the removal was to improve safety. Loose dogs, sometimes roaming in packs, have created concern.
While many pet owners in the community are responsible, Ratt said the removal will also remind people they must respect bylaws which require animals to be leashed or in a fenced area.
“It’s a positive message: Love your pet,” she said. “If you want to have a pet, be responsible.”
Saving Grace founder Erin Deems said Sunday was the largest transport and rescue her organization has been a part of, calling it an “amazing success.”
Deems organized and executed two previous rescues Dec. 14 and Jan. 4. She said more than 240 dogs have been removed in the last 21 days and she’s confident all will find a forever home.
“It takes a large collaborative effort between a bunch of rescue groups, not only in Saskatchewan, but also in Alberta, to be able to gather up the volunteers and dogs in such a timely manner and safely get them back to Alberta and find them placement with rescue groups,” she said.
Joanne Dickson, a founding member of the Northern Animal Rescue, said about 30 people were involved. She said the rescue was better than the alternative: a short life for the animals.