LAC SEUL – More than 60 animals were spayed or neutered during a community animal wellness event last week in the Frenchman’s Head area of Lac Seul First Nation.
The clinic was held July 17-20 in a partnership between the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and Lac Seul First Nation.
In all, 37 cats and 25 dogs were spayed or neutered; the Ontario SPCA estimates that prevents 3,000 unplanned kittens and puppies.
The four-day event also included animal wellness appointments in which 159 vaccines were administered.
“This event is certainly an example of what we can accomplish together towards . . . improving the welfare of animals,” said Jennifer Bluhm, the Ontario SPCA’s vice-president of community outreach services.
“Critical supplies” for the event came from Dryden’s Hillcrest Animal Clinic and Trans Canada Pet Clinic, she said, adding that Pet Valu in Thunder Bay donated 50 collars and leashes.
“We are a registered charity and we depend on the generosity of our donors to fund programs like this,” Bluhm said.
She said the Ontario SPCA is committed to reaching underserved communities with spay/neuter and wellness clinics.
The Ontario SPCA team of 10 veterinary professionals, including three veterinarians, was assisted by community volunteers, she noted.
“So it was a true community event that impacted the animals and made such a difference, and it was a really great experience for everyone that attended,” Bluhm said.
“We would like to thank Lac Seul First Nation for their commitment to animal well-being and for inviting us into their community to deliver these important animal wellness services,” said Arista Wogenstahl, the Ontario SPCA’s northern regional manager of community outreach services.
"This spay/neuter and wellness event is an example of what can be accomplished when we come together for the well-being of animals," said Lac Seul animal control officer Jonathan Kenny.
