The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation commits to reviewing the Ontario SPCA Act
The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation commits to reviewing the Ontario SPCA Act
Sarnia, ON (February 8, 2016) – The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation have committed to reviewing the Ontario SPCA Act, Ontario’s provincial Animal Welfare legislation, as a foundation to update the animal control By-Law within their community.
Late 2015, the Welland & District SPCA met with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Council to present on the Ontario SPCA Act and how it is enforced across Ontario. The goal was to work together to help more animals within First Nations regions. The council voted that night to look into working with the Society on ways the First Nation community can utilize the Act.
Chief Thomas Bressette credits the ongoing advocacy efforts of Alison Bressette, founder of Aboriginal Community & Animal Advocacy Connection, for ensuring the issue of animal welfare remains a priority for the First Nation. The goal of this First Nation grassroots organization is to assist Indigenous communities that are seeking solutions to improve animal welfare in their communities through education, establishing local partnerships and ongoing support and advocacy efforts. Further information and contact details for “Aboriginal Community & Animal Advocacy Connection” can be located on Facebook in addition to a website to be developed later this year.
Over the next year, the Welland & District Humane Society will endeavor to work with the Kettle & Stony Point First Nation council and their Police, providing training on the Ontario SPCA Act and how to enforce the legislation.
The Welland & District Humane Society is an Affiliate of the Ontario SPCA and enforces the Ontario SPCA Act throughout the Niagara region. They employ Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors and work closely with the Ontario SPCA on major cases providing support and resources when required.
It is anticipated that when the training is complete, the First Nation community police will work with the closest Ontario SPCA affiliate, the Sarnia & District Humane Society; together they will enforce the Act within the Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Community.
Chief Thomas Bressette stated “The First Nation considers animal welfare a serious issue. Our members have been on a learning journey regarding the importance of caring for animals. We are committed to updating our animal control by-law to reflect similar provincial legislation that could be enacted within the First Nation.” As a result of the First Nations’ efforts, there has been a remarkable improvement in the care of the First Nations’ animal population as expressed by Elizabeth Cloud, Council member with the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, “We have less roaming dogs, we have a high number of pets spayed and neutered to control the population, with up to date rabies shots and who are examined in yearly clinics that are organized in the First Nation.”
“Partnering with First Nations Communities to support their animal welfare efforts is a key area of focus for the Welland & District SPCA,” says Inspector John Greer, Executive Director, Welland & District SPCA. “We commend The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation for their innovative approach in caring for animals.”
ABOUT the Ontario SPCA ACT
The Ontario SPCA Act is Ontario’s Provincial legislation for Animal Welfare. The Act is currently enforced by the Police, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and the Society’s network of Affiliated SPCAs and Humane Societies across the Province. Amended in 2009, the Act is said to be Canada’s strongest provincial legislation for Animal Welfare.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Inspector John Greer, Executive Director, Welland & District SPCA (905-735-1552 X205)
Suzanne Bressette, Media Liaison, CKSPFN (519-786-2125