Animal transfer relocates over 70 Northern animals to find new homes
Earlier this week over 48 dogs and puppies, as well as 23 cats, travelled through Thunder Bay, as they made their journey south to be adopted through the Ontario SPCA’s Year of the Northern Dog program.
The Ontario SPCA has been partnering with Naotkamegwanning First Nation since 2015 to support dogs and provide resources such as spay/neuter services. During this most recent visit, When the Ontario SPCA was in Naotkamegwanning First Nation to transfer the dogs and puppies, the organization also participated in cultural ceremonies and provided humane education and bylaw consultation.
Several volunteers were onsite at the Central Canada Feeding Station in Thunder Bay to help walk, clean and feed the canines, preparing them for the rest of their travels. An incredible 13-year-old girl named Annika, who has a passion for animals, wanted to get involved and help out. She spearheaded a volunteer group in Thunder Bay and got her entire family involved in the transfer.
“It really brought the family together for the night and it was great to spend time doing something we love together,” says Lindsay, Annika’s mother.
The transfer was made possible thanks to the vision and leadership of the communities, as well as a partnership with Northern Reach Rescue Network, Second Chance Pet Network, the Peterborough Humane Society, Brant County SPCA and Northern Legacy Horse Farm, which transports dogs aboard its “Bark Bus.”
The Ontario SPCA has delivered animal wellness services and provided transfers from close to 30 Northern communities this year in celebration of the Year of the Northern Dog program. To bring awareness, attention and action to Northern dog overpopulation, the Society declared 2018 the Year of the Northern Dog. A lack of basic animal wellness services has created an abundance of dogs in the North who need resources and support.
Interested in making a difference in the lives of Northern animals? Visit northerndog.com to make a donation today and for more information on how you can get involved!