THUNDER BAY — Dogs needing shelter because of the forest fire emergency at Pikangikum First Nation are finding sanctuary in Thunder Bay.
The Ontario SPCA says it has worked with partners including a city-based rescue group to facilitate care for displaced dogs from the community 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
The Northern Reach Rescue Network transports dogs in need of homes from northern communities to be adopted.
As Pikangikum began evacuating due to the forest fire, Northern Reach had to make room in its program in order to provide temporary foster care for dogs from the First Nation.
As of Thursday, the group was looking after 11 puppies from Pikangikum.
To lighten the workload for Northern Reach, the North Bay and District Humane Society's Animal Rescue Express travelled to Thunder Bay to pick up 20 dogs and puppies for transportation south.
They are currently en route to SPCA animal centres in Barrie, Muskoka, Midland, Orillia and Orangeville.
Eventually, dogs from Pikangikum will be taken south for adoption as well.
"We do this because of the high demand down there. We''re not flooding Thunder Bay with dogs and waiting for adoptable homes," said Darlene Vezina, spokesperson for Northern Reach.
The rehoming mission is part of the SPCA's Support the North campaign, which includes a network of communities, organizations and individuals working to bring awareness to the lack of animal wellness resources in northern communities.
Last year, the campaign transported nearly 600 dogs for adoption in the south.
