Animal abuse in Nunavut prompt calls for animal protection laws

Recent cases of animal abuse have some in Nunavut, including a former mayor of Iqaluit and the city's chief enforcement officer, calling for an animal protection act.

"The time has come for the [legislative assembly], once they're back in business, to set up a bylaw or an ordinance for the protection of animals," said former Iqaluit mayor Bryan Pearson, who was recently bitten by a severely neglected dog he had found tied up outside its owner's house.

Pearson said he dug out the dog, which he said was frozen to the ground in its own urine and feces and could no longer use its hind legs. The distressed dog bit Pearson when he brought it home to clean it up.

"I was given a dose of morphine and antibiotics," he said, baring a severely swollen and infected arm.

Pearson said he does not blame the dog, which was later put down because of its poor condition.

Rather, he said, territorial legislation is needed to deal with people who mistreat any animal, from dogs and cats to caribou and other animals.

Animal act 'essential'

"An animal protection act is essential, and … these bastards who mistreat these animals should be prosecuted," he said.

Such legislation would help enforcement officials deal with animals that are being abused or mistreated.

No such legislation currently exists in Nunavut, making it difficult for enforcement officers to crack down on animal abuse cases.

"Basically, there's not enough grounds or enough support sometimes for us to go in and say, 'OK, we're taking your dog and here's the reason why,'" Rod Mugford, Iqaluit's chief enforcement officer, told CBC News.

"If we don't have the legislation that governs us and gives us the authority to do so, we have limited authority under our municipal bylaws."

Mugford said a territorial law would clearly define what constitutes animal abuse and animal neglect, as well as give enforcement officers more authority to act.

While Mugford said he has seen several abused animal cases recently, he also  said there has been a high number of dogs attacking people this year.

Dog attacks on the rise

There have been 48 dog attacks reported since January — almost double the number of attacks Iqaluit had last year. It's the highest number Mugford said he's seen in the past five years.

The attacks have taken place in homes and on the city's streets. And while some attacks led to minor injuries, such as bruises and abrasions, Mugford said others were more serious.

"There has been a couple of very severe attacks here in town. One was deemed to be a mauling by the physician that treated the individual," he said.

"It's more and more prominent, now that the wounds that are being received are requiring stitches and further medical attention."

Mugford recommended that people not approach tethered dogs they don't know. As well, he said, people should never run away from a menacing dog; instead, remain in a defensive mode, yell, and try to move away from the animal, he said.

Anyone who is bitten by a dog is urged to call city bylaw officers.