WINNIPEG, MB - August 17, 2012 - This summer the Animal Services Agency welcomed three new team members from the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (OAN) Program as part of the City of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth Strategy.
As Animal Services License Inspectors and Special Constables, this group of Aboriginal youth has been patrolling the city both educating Winnipeggers on the importance of dog licensing and issuing tickets to owners of unlicensed dogs. The zero tolerance dog licensing policy came into effect September 1, 2011.
"I'm gaining valuable work experience and developing professional work skills as an Animal Services License Inspector," said Michelle C., one of the three new team members from the OAN Program and a student at the University of Manitoba.
In April 2008, Council passed a motion to adopt an Aboriginal Youth Strategy. Its mission is to give Aboriginal youth positive opportunities in the community and civic system by bridging and providing culturally appropriate programs and supports related to employment, literacy and recreation to increase resiliency, self-sustainability, pride and future opportunities.
"I think the Aboriginal Youth Strategy is a fantastic initiative, both for the City of Winnipeg and for the young people who participate," said Mayor Sam Katz. "I am proud of the City of Winnipeg's commitment to ensuring Aboriginal youth have the opportunity to participate equally in our economy."
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (OAN) or 'Young Aboriginal People Leading' is the name given to the Aboriginal Youth Strategy by Elders Jules Lavallee and Mary Richard in a 2009 naming ceremony. The name pays tribute to Aboriginal youth as leaders of today as well as tomorrow. The Aboriginal Youth Strategy initiative's guiding principles include caring, sharing, kindness and truth.
The demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to accomplish the goals of this twelve-week project is evidence of the commitment and dedication that the youth bring to the Animal Services Agency.
Zero Tolerance
Under zero tolerance, owners of dogs over six months of age without a license are subject to a $250 fine. No warnings are given. In addition, if an unlicensed dog is impounded at Animal Services, the dog owner is responsible for further impound and boarding fees. Dogs wearing a current license are given a free ride home once a year where all fees and fines are waived.
What does license revenue fund?
A license protects an owner's dog, while revenues help support the essential service of animal control in Winnipeg which includes:
- Animal Services Officers to help resolve neighbourhood disputes and other incidents involving animals.
- A facility for the care of stray dogs.
- A fleet of animal control vehicles.
- Emergency services including attending house fires, car accidents, and police assists to help in the removal of animals.
- Reuniting stray dogs with their owners including a "Free Ride Home" program for dogs wearing current licenses.
- 24/7 reunification of dogs wearing current licenses by 311. In 2011, 311 reunited 601 dogs wearing current licenses with their owners without those dogs having to set foot in Animal Services.
- Transportation of injured animals for emergency veterinary care.
- An Adoption Program at Animal Services which allows adoptable dogs to be adopted to new families instead of being euthanized.
- Administration of a dog licensing program.
- A volunteer program which focuses on socialization of impounded dogs.
- An education program focusing on responsible pet ownership.
Animal Services receives more than 12,000 calls for service a year.
Dog licenses cost $28 a year for spayed/neutered dogs, and $63 for others. Residents can purchase a two-year license and receive a 10% discount in the second year.
Dog licenses are available for purchase online at Winnipeg.ca, through 311, and at most vet clinics, animal shelters, pet stores, and at Animal Services at 1057 Logan Avenue, Winnipeg.
For more information on Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth Strategy, visit: Winnipeg.ca/aboriginalyouth
For more information on dog licensing and adoption, visit: Winnipeg.ca/animalservices