WINNIPEG—Animal Justice and Save A Dog Network Canada applaud today’s announcement of provincial funding aimed at improving access to veterinary care in northern and remote Manitoba communities.
The Manitoba government said today it will invest $400,000 over four years to work directly with two northern or remote communities on community-led approaches to increase the health of animals and people. The funding is part of a broader $1 million package outlined by the province that also includes a $200,000 boost to the Winnipeg Humane Society’s mobile animal health services and its work with community-based groups.
“This funding can make a real difference,” said Katie Powell, executive director of Save A Dog Network Canada. “Without access to vet care, dogs suffer and die from preventable causes—starvation, freezing, disease. That takes a toll on communities, too. When governments invest in long-term, compassionate solutions, everyone benefits.”
“We’re encouraged to see Manitoba taking steps to close the gap in veterinary care,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice. “In many northern communities, services that many Manitobans take for granted, like vaccinating pets or getting them spayed or neutered, are simply out of reach. We look forward to working with the government to tackle our dog overpopulation crisis in a compassionate and sustainable way by supporting community-led approaches, and strengthening legal protections for animals.”
The announcement comes as veterinary professionals, rescuers, and community leaders are set to gather this weekend in Winnipeg for the inaugural Rez Dog Networking Conference, a first-of-its-kind event focused on building stronger systems of care for dogs in underserved communities across the province.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
Katie Powell
Executive Director, Save A Dog Network Canada