Residents should consider the cost of ownership before getting a pet. (Submitted photo/Northern Animal Rescue)

By Derek Cornet

animal rescue

Motorists should be cautious of dogs after several struck and euthanized

Mar 17, 2022 | 2:57 PM

Northern Animal Rescue (NAR) is reminding tri-community residents about the value of pet ownership after four dogs were struck on the highway in the last three weeks.

“All four had to be put out of their misery,” said animal control officer Katherine Lowenberg. “They weren’t savable and, even if we could get them to the vet in time, they are so far away there is no guarantee they would have made it. The decision to have to put them down was made, which is a very hard decision to make, especially for someone who does not own the pet.”

As the weather bring warmer temperatures, Lowenberg expects there will be more instances of animals escaping their homes and becoming a hazard on roadways. She said if dogs are not kept inside, they should be contained to the yard and owners should look for them as soon as they realize they’ve gotten loose. That’s what occurred in two out of the four cases.

Lowenberg wants motorists to be more aware of animals walking along the highway, particularly between Air Ronge and La Ronge. She said drivers should slow down and, if possible, stop the vehicle, grab the animal and call Northern Animal Rescue. The animal will then be impounded and a bulletin will be released to the public.

“It’s really important to keep your eyes open and slow down if you see them,” Lowenberg stated. “Let them cross if you have to and see them home if possible.”

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Lowenberg also wanted to remind the residents of the communities NAR provides services to that NAR is a non-profit and doesn’t have funds for emergency vet care. When people decided they want a pet, they should consider the cost of regular and emergency vet care, as well as transportation and all the other costs that come with pet ownership.

NAR is operated by donations, grants and contract work with the Town of La Ronge and Municipality of Napatak. Individual pet owners should have the financial means of caring for their own pets and find transportation should an emergency arise.

“There’s all kinds of costs involved when it comes to owning a pet and to do it responsibly you should consider that as part of your thoughts as far as getting an animal,” Lowenberg said. “When we run into situation where the lack of funds in a problem, we do what we can’t but a lot of times we just aren’t in a position to help.”

In the last three years, NAR has rescued approximately 1,350 animals from Air Ronge, La Ronge, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and nearby communities.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno