Pet Save takes on 'hungry' rescued Wikwemikong dogs

A number of stray dogs were seized from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on the weekend, after a local mom raised concerns.

Band member Jennifer Manitowabi said she had heard about dogs stealing childrens' lunches — then her daughter was bitten, as were some other kids.

“Children have been getting bit because the dogs are hungry and not cared for,” she said.

“There have been some reports of children like getting attacked by dogs by taking their lunch on the way to school."

Manitowabi went to a meeting of Chief and Council to ask that Petsave volunteers from Sudbury visit the community. The Sudbury charity takes in stray dogs.

She said nothing was being done to control the number of dogs without owners.

“There's been a long-standing issue regarding free roaming dogs and the population of dogs has just gotten out of control,” she said.

“There are so many strays and packs of dogs wandering around.         

Petsave's director, Jill Pessot, said they seized 28 dogs last Saturday, including two that are pregnant.

She says they were all undernourished and have parasites.

The dogs will be treated and put up for adoption.

“These animals are starving,” Pessot said.

“A lot of them are very hungry. For example, one of the mums we got in, she's probably eight to ten pounds under weight and she's ready to birth any time.”

Pessot said people can apply to Petsave if they are interested in adopting.