NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO SPCA
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MIDLAND - Early this morning, a special delivery arrived at the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre, after 46 dogs and puppies were transported from Manitoba and Northern Ontario to find homes and receive the necessary medical care lacking in many isolated regions of the country.
The re-homing mission is part of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s 'Support the North' program. It brings awareness, attention and action to the serious issue of dog overpopulation in the north. A lack of access to basic animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, has led to uncontrolled growth of dog populations across northern Canada.
Before being placed up for adoption at Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres across the province, the dogs that arrived today will rest and receive any necessary care, including undergoing spay/neuter procedures to help reduce pet overpopulation.
This year alone, over 300 animals have been transported from the north to central and southern Ontario where there is a greater demand for adoptable pets.
Working alongside the Ontario SPCA on this rehoming mission were a number of partners in the Animal North Network, including Northern Reach Rescue Network in Thunder Bay; Northern Legacy Horse Farm in Whitefish, Ont., which transported the dogs aboard its “bark bus” trailer; A Dog’s Life Fostering Network in Kenora; Manitoba-based animal welfare advocate Diane Heron; and dedicated volunteers who tended to the dog’s needs throughout the long journey.
“The issue of dog overpopulation in Northern communities is an ongoing challenge that many Canadians might not realize is happening in their own backyard,” says Judi Cannon, Director, Partnerships & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Resources and support are needed in the North and everyone can play an active role in creating healthy communities for pets and people.”
To learn more about Support the North, including how to get involved, visit supportthenorth.com
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