Humane Society International/Canada and Chiots Nordiques are heading to Manawan, Quebec to hold a mass spay-neuter clinic for stray and roaming dogs. The organizations expect to sterilize more than 100 dogs and help counter canine overpopulation in the area. This is the second time the team visits this Atikamekw community.

Ewa Demianowicz, senior campaign manager for HSI/Canada, said: “We are thrilled to go back to Manawan and provide essential veterinary services to this community. We saw first-hand the harmful impacts of canine overpopulation in 2014 when we first visited the area. The animals were emaciated and struggling to survive, and the people taking care of them were desperate for help. By going back this year, we are providing ongoing support to maintain a healthy dog population in the community.”

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Éric Coïa, president of Chiots Nordiques, added: “Our team of volunteers is ready and excited to help Manawan manage its stray and roaming dog population. We will be setting up a three-day temporary clinic and we will be sterilizing dogs from morning to night. Our objective is to tend to almost all dogs in the area to make sure we have the most impact possible. We are extremely thankful that HSI/Canada is assisting us in providing these essential services to remote communities like Manawan.”

Dogs hold an important place in First Nation communities, but the lack of access to veterinary services in these areas has led to overpopulation of stray dogs and neglect. Mass sterilization is an efficient and humane method to control the dog overpopulation crisis these communities face. These clinics not only help animals in need, they also contribute to these communities by reducing the incidence of dog bite injuries and zoonotic diseases.

Media Contact: Christopher Paré, 514 395-2914 x 206, cpare@hsi.org