Stray season
Caring for lost animals

by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL - Now that spring is here, Yellowknifers are bound to notice a larger number of furry, feathered and scaled friends roaming the streets.

And there is no excuse for pet owners not being responsible for the whereabouts of their pet, said one irate Yellowknife resident who recently talked with xxxYellowknifer.

However, if you find a lost animal, there are some steps you should try to take.

First and foremost, do not approach the animal if it looks vicious or sick. If it is a dog, call municipal enforcement.

If the animal is friendly, check for identification and rabies tags. "Great Slave Animal Hospital can track the pet's owner through the rabies tag number", said Tracy DeCoste of Great Slave Animal Hospital.

If there are no tags, DeCoste recommends calling CJCD's pet detective, Great Slave Animal Hospital and Borealis Kennels.

A concerned owner may be trying to find their lost pet through these agencies.

After trying to find the owner, there are other steps you can take to make the animal and yourself more comfortable:

  • offer water and dry food

  • keep the stray away from your own animals and kids

  • if you are unsure how to care for the animal, or if no owner appears within a reasonable time, bring it to Great Slave Animal Hospital.

These pointers apply to domestic pets only. Injured wildlife should never be handled.

"If you find a injured wild animal, immediately call the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development", said Kellan Pimlott of Borealis Kennels.