Lac La Ronge Indian Band Defends Shooting Strays

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Defends Shooting Strays

Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 15:36

An official with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band admits a recent tragedy on an Alberta First Nation is part of the reason his band is shooting stray dogs on its reserves in La Ronge.

Roughly two weeks ago, a small child was attacked by a pack of stray dogs on the North Tallcree reserve, causing severe damage to the child’s upper torso and face.

Russell Mirasty says that incident illustrates what can occur if the problem of stray dogs is not addressed.

Mirasty says the band has also been receiving calls from concerned community members regarding strays.

As a result, band members living on La Ronge reserves were warned a couple of days ago that a dog control officer was going to shoot any dogs that were not tied up.

Mirasty says shooting strays on band reserves takes place almost annually, but the band is hoping some of its members become more responsible pet owners.