Yukon government offers to euthanize Ross River dogs

Yukon's chief veterinarian says the government is working on Ross River's dog problem,offering to remove some from the community.

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Mary Vanderkop says the territory has offered to take any unwanted dogs to be put up for adoption by the Whitehorse Humane Society, or, if the dog is believed to be dangerous, to be humanelyeuthanized.

The government is also planning to reinstate a spay/neuter voucher program in rural communities, including Ross River.

Many communities have long-standing problems with aggressive, roaming dogs but the issue has taken priority again in Ross Riverthis month, after it was confirmed that a man was killed there by dogs last fall.

Vanderkop said there arejust too many dogs in Ross River.

"Many people inherit [dogs], and sometimes these animals become a burden that they'd like to be relieved of," shesaid.

"So we provide an opportunity for individuals in the community to surrender those dogs to us."

Most of the dogs will hopefully find new homes, she said, but some dogs "unreliable in temperament or potentially a threat to public safety" would be put down by lethal injection.

"Rather than forcing people to take the option of shooting those dogs," she said.

Reproductive control most important

A local task force inRoss River is also looking at the possibility of starting a dog registry, or even setting up a pound, but Vanderkop said what's most importantis "reproductive control."

She said aspay/neuter voucher program, with vets visiting the community, is one way the government can and will help, although the details of that program have not yet been announced.

Vanderkopalso says dog owners have a responsibility.

"It isn't as if the governmentis going to foot the whole bill. People need to have some accountabilityand responsibility for taking care of the animals they choose to maintain."