Sask. dog rescue group says communities, not RCMP, responsible for stray dogs

Northern Transitional Dog Rescue is an Indigenous dog rescue based in the Meadow Lake area that specializes in removing aggressive dogs from communities.

“We’re not suggesting every community should be doing dog culls but if there is no support from outside rescues, SPCA, spay and neuter clinics or someone who is effectively handling the dog, then sometimes the best thing to do is euthanize dogs that are not safe to our community members,” Harder said.

Harder added there is a misconception that every dog can be rehabilitated and safely placed in a foster home.

“We’ve heard stories of dogs going right from northern communities into foster homes and kids being attacked or their pets being killed.”

Representatives from another rescue group said plans to remove dogs from Pelican Narrows were already in place before Monday’s attack.

A representative, who said the group would speak further with paNOW after the dogs are removed, said safety concerns had prompted a request for an RCMP escort. The representative cited recent violence in the community as the reason for that request.

Harder, meanwhile, said she planned to contact Pelican Narrows to ask whether further support was needed. She encouraged communities to visit saverezdogs.com for information about establishing dog management programs.

In Monday’s press release, PBCN requested a formal review to establish what complaints police received before the attack, what action was taken and whether there were opportunities to intervene.

Response from RCMP

According to a statement released by the RCMP on Tuesday, the three dogs involved in the attack were “put down” by an officer.

RCMP also confirmed the woman who was transported to hospital, incurred injuries described as life-threatening.

“Our thoughts are with them and their family as they continue to receive medical treatment. Saskatchewan RCMP will not be providing an update on their condition, nor providing any further identifying details,” they said.

This is the second dog-related injury recently reported to Pelican Narrows RCMP.

The previous incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 31, 2026. Pelican Narrows RCMP responded to the report of an adult at the medical clinic who had been injured by a dog. Officers investigated and located the dog determined to be involved in the Oct. 31 incident. The owners of the dog ultimately put this dog down following discussion with police.

The two incidents are considered separate and did not involve the same owners, nor the same dogs.

“Yesterday, Pelican Narrows RCMP officers responded to a horrific incident which resulted in severe injuries to a community member. This event has undoubtedly impacted the community and the police officers who responded. We welcome the opportunity to meet with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation to determine next possible steps to ensure community safety, but policing is not the sole solution to aggressive animals. Generally speaking, police become involved in aggressive animal situations when criminality is suspected,” said S/Sgt. Kirychuk, Pelican Narrows RCMP Detachment Commander. “In the meantime, we recommend that Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation dog owners do not let their dogs run free. A dog may not be aggressive when alone, but its behaviour may change when it’s in a pack. To avoid this, ensure your dogs are tied up or kept inside a fenced area.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Sask. dog rescue group says communities, not RCMP, responsible for stray dogs

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