Saskatchewan First Nations successfully control stray dogs

A University of Saskatchewan study is highlighting the success of two Saskatchewan First Nations in managing their stray dog populations.

Feral and aggressive dogs have been an issue in many remote communities. When left unchecked, dogs can spread parasites, harbour rabies and attack humans. 

In 2011, a toddler on the Mosquito First Nation was killed in an attack by a pair of dogs.

In this project, two communities near North Battleford, including the Mosquito First Nation, used a mix of spay and neuter clinics, veterinary care, education and re-homing programs.

Crystal Okemow is a co-author of the study and works for the Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre.

"When you go out there, you visually see less dogs, and you see dogs with collars so you know that the dogs that have collars are accounted for, and they belong to somebody," she said, "Somebody has taken responsibility for that dog."

The study says the dog population dropped from 382 to 253  over a three year period. The study also gathered anecdotes from people in the community who said they were seeing fewer dog packs, and that children felt safer outside.

Okemow said getting the community involved was key to the success of the project.

"The community members have been open minded about getting their dogs spayed or neutered and listening and educating themselves," said Okemow. "It has a ripple effect. You get your dogs spayed or neutered then it makes the community more safe because dogs aren't packing and they're not roaming. It calms everything down."