When packs of wild dogs in northern Quebec grow too large or dangerous, police often have to shoot them. There are few veterinarians in the towns up north, and controlling stray dog population is a problem.
A group of dedicated veterinarians, like Daphée Veilleux-Lemieux, believe sterilization clinics in northern Quebec will stop massive dog slaughters by locals with guns,
Veilleux-Lemieux is a volunteer with the animal non-profit group, Chiots Nordiques.
“My dogs are the reminder that we can work together,” says Veilleux-Lemieux of her two adopted dogs. “Together to find a solution.”
Her mission is to find solutions to reduce violent acts between humans and animals.
The animal welfare group goes three or four times a year to northern communities that pay for their trips. Without local vets, the reaction to large packs of dogs can be harsh.
“There's more fighting between dogs, and the solution is the gun.”
Her own dogs were mistreated before she adopted them as puppies during her trips up north.
Monsieur Bull’s skin was burned with acid, and Nuka was found with her collar embedded in her neck.
There are very few vets in Quebec’s North, and lots of dogs. Chiots Nordiques says most of the dogs are very friendly,
“It's a real dog with normal behaviour. Loyal, who just want food, home and care.”
About 200 dogs have been brought back south for adoption. Animal rights advocate, Johanne Tassé, says the initiative is amazing and most of the dogs are very stable.
Tassé sends some of the dogs to adoption centres in Quebec and in Ontario.
“If we're able to adopt dogs here in Montreal quicker, we're able to take in more dogs from these native communities, so everything is like a chain reaction.”
For Veilleux-Lemieux, the volunteer work has become a passion.
“Chiots Nordiques is my other life. I can’t live without this cause,” she says. “Because we help dogs, but we also help people.”
