'It's difficult': Group details tough conditions for dogs left behind in evacuated Manitoba communities
With several communities across Manitoba being forced to evacuate due to wildfires, many pets are being left behind in potentially dangerous conditions.
Melanie Chudyk, the clinic coordinator for the Manitoba Animal Alliance, said the group is trying to help the evacuated northern communities by rescuing the animals, and reuniting them with their owners.
She said two communities are particularly close to the fires – Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation. The Manitoba Animal Alliance has not been able to get into Little Grand Rapids due to the thickness of the smoke, but have managed to get to Pauingassi via helicopter.
“We’ve gone into the community twice now and removed dogs that were the youngest, the oldest, the sickest, the injured,” she said.
“Those who are most vulnerable have been removed from the community.”
Chudyk said they’ve managed to secure temporary housing for the animals, as the group just can’t take them all in.
“We suspect we’re going to be bringing in probably in the range of 40 to 50 animals that will need housing, and we just don’t have the capacity to house them right now,” she said.
“All of our fosters are completely full.”
CONDITIONS IN THE COMMUNITY
Chudyk said she’s been to Pauingassi twice and the smoke is so thick it’s hard to breathe.
She noted they’ve been finding animals starved for human attention, some that are forming packs and declaring certain areas as their own, and they are also finding some dogs that have already died.
“We have to make some really tough calls,” Chudyk said through tears.
“We have to say, ‘this one’s healthy enough to stay for another few days,’ but it’s difficult. It’s really difficult to make that decision, because we’ve had animals in crates ready to be loaded into helicopters and we’ve had to let them go because we just don’t have space for them.”
Anyone interested can contact the Manitoba Animal Alliance through its social media channels or its website. https://www.manitobaanimalalliance.com/ “We’re looking for fosters, we’re looking for funds to get back up there, we’re looking for volunteers to help transport dogs from planes and airports to fosters, to vet services. We need any help that anyone could give, basically,” Chudyk said.
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.