Loki’s Gift

To all of those who signed the Petition for Hope launched in 2008, thank you.  The Northwest Territories Canada still is waiting.  It has been two years since your signatures were submitted to the Legislative Assembly, two long years that the campaign to end the incredible suffering of these animals has been applying needed pressure on the government.

The picture is that of an article published by one of our Local news papers in 2009. (Hub publications)

Links to Health Canada Reports:  CHIRRP

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/injury-bles/chirpp/pdf/CHIRPP_INJURY_BRIEF_DOG_BITE_update.pdf

www.phac-aspc.gc.caInjuries
Animal Protection is most certainly about protecting the animals, usually properly cared for and well socialized animals, do not attack unless provoked or trained to do so. The recent number of dog attacks causing injury and in some cases death is preventable and alarming.
Attacks in the North are not only the result of malnourished sled dogs breaking free, but also due to the negligence of owners who allow their animals to run at large. Far too often these animals are neglected, starving and attempting to survive in whatever manner they can. Be it from attacking other residential pets (some often tied in their own yards) to attacking small children, hikers and others.
Strict enforcement of all municipal By-Laws in the North, strict enforcement of the Federal Criminal Code Animal Cruelty Act in the North and the passing of and strict enforcement of the Amended NWT Act needs to happen immediately.
The Amended NWT Dog Act, has yet to be brought before Legislative Committee and is an “interim” measure until a comprehensive Animal Protection Act similar to existing Provincial Acts across Canada is put in place.
This is a quote from correspondence received from the Hon. Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, GNWT in May 2010.
“You may recall that my January 2010 correspondence also advised you that the Departments initial goal was to submit the legislative proposal to make amendments to the Dog Act by the end of November 2009 but that this timeline was revised to permit an opportunity to consult Members of the Legislative Assembly – through the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning – in November 2009 on both the proposed Dog Act amendments and the broader animal protection legislation work.
MACA has finalized the legislative proposal for Dog Act amendments, and has submitted the legislative proposal. It is unknown at this time when the amendments will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly; however, it is likely that the first reading of the bill will occur in the fall 2010 session.”
Note the key words “unknown” and “likely”. In other words: there is a 50/50 chance that this important legislation may/may not be read in the Fall 2010. There is a 50/50 chance that it will be delayed. The 15th Session of the Legislative Assembly ends in August 2010, the final session (16th) ends in the Fall 2011 and another election should be taking place.
Fall in the North, means the onset of winter, frigid temperatures, piercing winds, snow and ice. How many animals will continue to go without proper shelter, poor body condition due to malnutrition (heavy fur coats do not protect an animal who is skin and bone and without the necessary body weight and mass to fight the effects of extreme cold and loss of body temperature)? How many negligent pet owners will visit friends over the holidays out of town, leaving their dog tied, alone, without proper food, water, care and shelter in the backyards of their homes? How many more puppies will be born and left outside with their mothers to freeze to death, or get their tiny throats slit and hidden in town dumps?
These animals cannot wait any longer. “MACA has finalized the legislative proposal for Dog Act amendments, and has submitted the legislative proposal.”
Please urge the GNWT to put this proposal through now. Also note that this amended Dog Act pertains strictly to dogs and no other animals in the NWT. An effective and comprehensive Animal Protection Act is needed. Qualified and properly trained Animal Cruelty Investigators with the legal power of seizure of the animals in crisis and the legal power to pursue charges against offenders is required. The Crown needs to take this seriously and not cite difficulty in proving willful intent as a means of staying charges as was in the case of Archie Beauleau who had his 34 dogs seized and humanely destroyed.
Keep in mind that no amount of Legislated law is effective unless it is strictly enforced, strict enforcement must come from the municipalities, the GNWT and the RCMP who are the legal authorities mandated under both the Federal Criminal Code of Canada and the current Dog Act (section 11). In accordance to Section 448 of the Federal Criminal Code, which applies to everyone everywhere in Canada, the condition of the animals and the circumstances surrounding the animals in question, is evidence of ‘wilful intent’. No additional proof is required. Further under Summary Conviction: charges can and should be laid in accordance to Municipal By-Laws.
Residents and taxpayers of the NWT have the right to expect action when they report to their Municipal Government and to the RCMP any incidents of animal cruelty and neglect. These are not only legal but also morale issues.
No more scratching of heads, turning a blind eye, or relying on the opinion of someone who is not qualified to make an accurate assessment of the health and needs of an animal….as happened in Tuktoyaktuk in 2009.
Please support effective change, please urge the GNWT to not delay any longer the reading and passing of the Amended Dog Act. You can write to, fax,, email or call:
The Hon. Robert C. McLeod, Minister MACA
Fax: 867-873-0169 Phone: 867-669-2345
The Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Minister Justice
Premier, Floyd Roland
Legislative Assembly Building
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9

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