NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO SPCA
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After making a 36-hour trip spanning 2,000 kilometres, 72 dogs and puppies from Northern Manitoba and Northern Ontario arrived at Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres across the province this morning.
Among the group of dogs coming south are two injured dogs who need specialized medical treatment.
After receiving any necessary care and undergoing spay/neuter procedures, these dogs will be placed up for adoption at animal centres in Sudbury, Midland, Barrie, Orillia, Muskoka, Orangeville and Stouffville.
The rehoming mission is part of the Ontario SPCA’s Support the North campaign, which is aimed at bringing awareness, attention and action to the lack of animal wellness resources in Northern communities. In many areas, a lack of animal wellness resources, such as spay/neuter services, has created an overpopulation of animals in need of homes.
Moving this many dogs across the province is no small feat. It took five additional organizations and groups to make it possible.
The dogs are on their way to a new life thanks to Manitoba partners Earthdog Terrier Rescue, K9 Advocates Manitoba and animal welfare advocate Diane Heron, as well as Ontario partners Northern Reach Rescue Network in Thunder Bay, It’s a Dog’s Life Fostering Network in Kenora, and Whitefish-based Northern Legacy Horse Farm, which transported the dogs aboard its “bark bus” trailer.
Volunteers at rest stops cared for the dogs and kept them comfortable during the long trip.
“Many Northern communities face challenges when it comes to accessing basic animal wellness services and resources, and they are struggling with pet overpopulation,” says Judi Cannon, Director, Partnerships & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
“Through our partners in the Animal North Network, we’re working in collaboration with Northern communities to save pets’ lives.”
In 2018, the Ontario SPCA and its animal wellness partners transported over 550 animals from the North to be adopted.
To learn more about Support the North, visit northernanimals.ca
For more information on adopting an animal from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, visit ontariospca.ca.
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