Yukon gov't to work with Ross River Dena Council on dog problem

Ross River Dena Council chief Jack Caesar says he's been assured of help from the Yukon government to deal with dangerous dogs roaming in his community.

Caesar met with Environment Minister Wade Istchenko and local MLA Stacey Hassard Wednesday in Whitehorse, more than a week after the community learned that a local man had been killed and partially eaten by dogs, last fall.

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​"They told us that they'll work with us very close and hope to come up with a plan," Caesar said after his meeting with Istchenko and Hassard.

"I think the pressure got them out to respond to what the situations were in our community and I think it's good."

The First Nation community has a long history of dog problems. Six years ago, a pilot program was started to try to control the dog population with spay/neuter clinics, a visiting dog catcher and other initiatives, but the government soon killed the program.

The First Nation repeatedly asked the government to revive the program, to no avail.  

Now Caesar is more hopeful.

"We need to put a plan together and hopefully have the resources to benefit us in the long term, as well."

He said the community will meet with Yukon's chief veterinarian on Tuesday to talk about possible solutions.