M.D. hires specialists to deal with stray dog problem in hamlets

Tina Kennedy
South Peace News

The M.D. of Big Lakes decided to hire an outside firm to come into the region, deal with stray dogs and then decide whether it's a service they want to make use of in the future.

John Eriksson, chief administrative officer, told councillors during the Feb. 26 meeting that hiring contractors, the ones discussed at a previous meeting, was only a one time thing. It was never meant to be a lengthy contract.

When councillors were concerned over having to pay $1,500 for three days of the company's services, they decided against hiring the company.

"I wasn't clear enough about that," says Erkisson. "It's not a contract for a whole year."

When news of stray and packing dogs reached Gift Lake, they called Big Lakes to tell them of their solution, adds Eriksson. The settlement hired an outside firm, a husband and wife couple, to come up and deal with their problem.

Big Lakes' problem is an on-going one. In recent months councillors expressed their concern that it was getting worse and wanted to find a way to deal with.

"I still have a concern that there are dogs that are aggressive. I have the belief that people should be able to walk down the street," said Joussard councillor Veronica Andruchiw at the Jan. 8 meeting.

Other options discussed included hiring a part time or full time person to assist Stabler and hiring out to the public on a per incident basis.

Stabler told council they've done everything they possibly can. However, he's not always looking for stray dogs. When a call comes in, he deals with it. This particular company, Nordy Animal Control Specialists, might be a more reasonable approach.

As well, he adds, their fees are probably well in line with what's being asked by other companies.

"They seem pretty professional," he adds.

After further discussion on the capture methods and other possible avenues, council decided to go ahead and contract to the company for one three day period.

Eriksson says when the company is already in the area working for Gift Lake, it will be an opportune time to have them working for Big Lakes as well.

"They're coming up to Gift Lake. Do you want to contribute something," adds Eriksson. "This is a one shot deal for $1,500."