Nahanni Butte (Apr 01/05) - Three high school students in Nahanni Butte have decided to do something about the number of stray and abused animals in their community.

Bhreagh Ingarfield, Kyra Tanche and Kayla Betsaka are lobbying the territorial government for money to start an animal shelter in the tiny hamlet.

"This is something that would help out the community a lot," said Ingarfield, 13.

The three girls said there are number of dog owners in Nahanni Butte who starve and beat their animals. As well, puppies are often drowned or shot because owners are not prepared for the responsibility of a new litter, they said.

"It's really sad sometimes," said Betsaka, 14.

The three friends have met with an economic development officer from the territorial government and are in the process of writing a formal funding application.

They estimate it will cost about $3,000-$4,000 to get the project off the ground and about $2,000 per year to run the shelter. Most of that money would go towards food and supplies, such as collars and dishes. The animals would be housed in an old, wooden cabin the girls are planning to renovate.

Tanche said the three would volunteer their time at the shelter and are even willing to spend their own money on the endeavour. She said it could give students something to do in a community where there is a limited number of after school programs. In addition to providing a home for abused and unwanted animals, the shelter has also given the girls valuable experience dealing with government, said school principal Wayne Ingarfield. "This is a learning process for them," he said.

The girls are planning to submit a final proposal to the government sometime this month.