Animal advocacy groups are holding a rally at the Manitoba legislature on Wednesday to honour a volunteer who died while assisting with dog rescues and to urge governments to address perceived dog overpopulation in the province.
Rally Honors Volunteer, Demands Overpopulation Action
The gathering includes organizations such as Project Artemis Advocates Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Humane Society, and K9 Advocacy Manitoba. Their focus is on the death of 37-year-old Amanda Nobiss, a Winnipeg resident working for K9 Advocacy Manitoba.
Nobiss was in the Sandy Bay Ojibwe First Nation area on July 17 to pick up puppies when she was attacked by dogs, according to police. Her body was found the same day. Manitoba First Nations Police Service confirmed her death was due to injuries consistent with a dog attack.
Systemic Issues and Funding Gaps Highlighted
Kristy Zamonsky, director of Project Artemis Animal Advocates, stated the rally is a tribute to Nobiss's years of dedication to canine advocacy. Zamonsky emphasized a shared purpose among rescue volunteers, even those who did not know each other personally.
The rally's organizers intend to call for financial support from local, provincial, and federal governments to manage stray dog populations. Zamonsky pointed out that the burden of addressing this issue has fallen heavily on rescue organizations and volunteers, who are often funding initiatives like spay and neuter clinics out of their own pockets.
This plea for intervention comes after a history of significant challenges. Two years prior, 45 animal welfare groups declared a state of emergency to the Manitoba government concerning dog culls in six northern and remote communities following dog attacks within a two-month period.
Government and Humane Society Responses
Christina Von Schindler, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society, described Nobiss's death as a tragedy and a stark reminder of the conditions in isolated communities. She stressed the need for a collaborative, unified approach involving all levels of government, rescue groups, and Indigenous communities to develop sustainable solutions.
Von Schindler noted the jurisdictional complexities, where many isolated communities fall under federal purview while service delivery is often provincial, leading to critical issues being overlooked.
The Manitoba government acknowledged the risks posed by free-roaming and feral dogs in a statement. It indicated support for community-led initiatives through the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative. The province also mentioned its commitment of $400,000 over four years to support community efforts for animal health and managing dog overpopulation in rural and remote areas.
Police reported that two male dogs believed to be involved in the attack were ordered destroyed. K9 Advocacy Manitoba was able to rescue a female dog and several puppies from the location.
