Peterborough, ON (October 7, 2016) – A plane carrying 58 community dogs in search of new homes will arrive at the Peterborough Airport today from Big Trout Lake First Nation, a community about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. The dogs are set to arrive at 4:30pm today.

In an effort to help address the pet overpopulation concerns in the community, Big Trout Lake First Nation invited the Provincial Animal Transfer Team to their community to assist with the animal transfer. The Provincial Animal Transfer Team was established by the Ontario SPCA and is made up of volunteers and organizations from all across Ontario, working to help move animals across the province to shelters where they can find new homes.

After being gathered, the 58 dogs were provided with health checks and vaccinations, and placed on a flight from Big Trout Lake First Nation to the Peterborough Airport.

Upon arrival at the Peterborough Airport, the dogs will be triaged by a team of volunteers from across the province, including veterinarians and veterinarian technicians. Once cleared for further transport, the dogs will be brought to The Peterborough Humane Society, The North Bay & District Humane Society, Welland & District Humane Society, and Quinte Humane Society to be placed in their adoption program.

This transfer was made possible thanks to the collaboration from the following companies, agencies and organizations.

• Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake First Nation)
• The Ontario SPCA
• Peterborough Humane Society
• Beat the Heat Kenora
• North Star Air Ltd.
• The City of Peterborough
• Loomex Group Peterborough Airport
• Welland & District SPCA
• North Bay & District Humane Society
• Quinte Humane Society
• The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes
• Thunder Bay & District Humane Society
• Royal Canin

• PetSmart
• Ogena Solutions
• Virox Technologies
• Lansdowne Place, Peterborough

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with the Big Trout Lake First Nation community and we commend them for taking the lead in establishing this transfer and being leaders in Animal Welfare,” says Judi Cannon, Associate Director, Indigenous Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA.

“By using the Peterborough Airport to transfer in the community dogs from Big Trout Lake proves that together, with all of our supporters and partners, we can lead the future of Animal Welfare right here in Peterborough,” says Geoff MacPhee, Board Chair, Peterborough Humane Society.

MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Photo opportunities are available for members of the media. Please contact Alison Cross for the arrival location.

MEDIA CONTACT

Alison Cross

Ontario SPCA

905-853-2108

across@ospca.on.ca