17 stray dogs taken in for vet care by Saskatoon Dog Rescue over the weekend

Two pregnant dogs were among the 17 rounded up bySaskatoon Dog Rescue during the weekend.

Volunteer coordinator Courtney Fisher said volunteers from the rescue were invited by the Big River First Nation to assist the community with its dog population.

"They kind of have an overrun dog population right now," Fisher said.

• Regina dog rescue group needs more foster care volunteers
• Sask. rescue extremely busy helping abused, injured, neglected dogs

The community's location makes it difficult for people to access proper veterinary care, especially spaying and neutering the dogs, which results in a growing number of strays, Fisher said.

"It can be a concern because obviously there are schools on the reserve and stuff but most of them are quite friendly," Fisher said.

Stray dogs are a problem in northern communities, where access to services such as spaying and neutering or microchippingare difficult to obtain or are just not financially feasible. Stray dogs may bunch up and roam the communities in packs, attacking other dogs or people in some cases.

In 2010, a 10-year-old boy from the Canoe Lake First Nation died after he was attacked by a pack of strays. Dog attacks have been documented inle--la-Crosse andCumberland House, as well.

In response, communitiesoften have annual dog culls, much like feral cat cullsin Australia.

The culls often draw criticism and backlash from people who do not live in the northern communities or understand theconditions.

Fisher said it's not a simple cut-and-driedissue of irresponsible owners.

"It's easy in the city," Fisher said. "The access to services in some of these communities is really limited."

In the case of the Big River First Nation, the dogs will receive vet care,be de-wormed and microchipped. When they are medically cleared, the dogs will be put up for adoption.