NAICATCHEWENIN FIRST NATION, Ont. — After a drive of more than 1,700 kilometres, an Ontario SPCA and Humane Society crew has arrived at Naicatchewenin First Nation, northwest of Fort Frances, to deliver spay/neuter and other services to pets.
It's the first time the SPCA has brought its new Mobile Animal Wellness unit to northwestern Ontario since the service was launched in June.
Over the next two days, pets from the remote First Nation and other communities in the area will be spayed or neutered, thanks to a grant by PetSmart Charities of Canada.
The 12-metre-long unit contains two surgical tables where up to 30 procedures can be performed in one day.
The SPCA says the purchase of the trailer was made possible through a grant from Pet Valu.
"We are working together on community-led solutions to create a healthy place for pets and people, and that begins with providing basic animal wellness services that can be difficult to access in many areas of the province," said SPCA Community Outreach Chief Daryl Vaillancourt.
During the clinic, SPCA team members will also be available to share tips and resources with local residents and school children about pet safety, to help build positive relationships with animals and reduce the chance of injuries.
In a statement, Naicatchewenin First Nation Chief Wayne Smith said "We acknowledge our pets are a spiritual being, according to the teachings of our Elders."
Smith added "We need to care for these pets with the same values as we would our children."
He thanked the SPCA team and said his community is grateful that "there are other good people out there with the same respect for animals."
