"How about these homeless people, for God's sake," said one female resident who did not wish to be identified.

"They're starving, they have nowhere to sleep. They should be taken care of before dogs," she protested. "Just kill them! They're not human!"

The Town of Inuvik has earmarked $200,000 for the construction of a new dog pound, complete with steel walls, insulation and water and sewage service. The proposed location is behind the town office.

Senior administrative officer Jerry Veltman said the current dog pound, a 16-by-20-foot wooden shed, is not adequate and needs to be replaced.

"The place is very old and dilapidated. It's been broken into three or four times in the last year, it needs repairs, it's very difficult to clean the place and I think it's time to move it and look for something new," said Veltman.

At last Wednesday's council meeting several residents blasted town administrators for even considering to spend so much money on accommodations for stray dogs.

Some said bylaw officers should just shoot all stray dogs on the spot, while others said they should be simply tied to a pole.

"I don't think it's worth it. There are better places to put the money," said dog musher Rock Boivin.

A Northerner for 25 years, Boivin said the town could build an adequate dog pound facility for less than $40,000 if they contracted a local carpenter.

"Just a shed and a fence - that's all the dogs need.

"Dogs up here are tough. Any shed will do," he said.

Mayor Peter Clarkson realizes there are some in the community who think it's a waste of money, but said "there are people that agree we have to address the problem."

Dr. John Overell, a Dawson City veterinarian who travels to Inuvik four times a year, said a new pound is a wonderful idea.

"It allows for good housing for dogs that owners have lost. They know that their dog is well taken care of," he said.

Muriel Klengenberg agrees. She has lived in Inuvik for 22 years and said stray dogs roaming around town has always been a ongoing problem.

"It's totally out of control and I think they do need to have a dog pound here. It's very much a needed thing," she said.

Klengenberg said Dr. Overell also needs a clean and adequate facility to work out of when he comes to town.

"If it can be done cheaper, that's fine. But we really do need it," she said.

Residents will get an opportunity to put in their two cents worth about the proposed 2003 budget at a public consultation meeting Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.