Yellowknife (Apr 07/06) - Puppy love can be deceiving, and Linda Eccles wants you to be ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.

Eccles works for the Beaufort Delta Regional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Linda Eccles with her dog Wells. Eccles, the co-ordinator for the Beaufort Delta regional SPCA, has spent the last five years working to provide Inuvik with a much-needed shelter for unwanted animals. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

She said there has been an issue with pet abandonment in Inuvik, and wants to see a shelter in the community to help the situation.

"Puppies are a long-term investment. They are not disposable," said Eccles.

Eccles, who has been with the SPCA for five years, said she has seen her fair share of puppies sent south for relocation.

"You see a lot of it with the younger kids," said Eccles. "People aren't aware of the costs of relocation."

The average cost to send a small puppy south to a proper shelter is $150.

Eccles said the costs of relocation could be waived if a shelter was built in Inuvik.

The shelter could also act as an adoption centre for people who want a pet, but have no way of getting one.

Eccles said funding would be needed for the shelter to become a reality. She has been working tirelessly to see it happen.

"I've sent out letters, and had meetings with people," said Eccles. "There is a definite need for those services here."

Abandonment is not the only issue facing puppies. Eccles said there have been incidents involving youth and BB guns. "We've sent out too many dogs who have had their eyes shot out. It's not pretty," said Eccles.

Responsibility with animals is something that children need to learn at a young age, said Eccles.

She has been working to present information to youth in the community, and said children should be taught proper animal care in school.

As part of her fight to stop cruelty to animals, Eccles has also begun to plan a series of posters, focusing on the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

A veterinarian has been contracted to make quarterly visits in the community, but having a full time vet on call would be preferred, said Eccles.

Peter Krizan, a member of the community who has taken interest in the situation, is studying to become a vet in Ontario.