Smart dogs elude Nunavik dog catchers

Regional councilors say they’re frustrated by the stray dog populations in their communities.

“It’s not going anywhere,” said Puvirnituq’s regional councilor and executive member, Aisara Kenuajuak. “Even the dogs can recognize the dog catchers.”

Kenuajuak said only the dog teams are tied up in Puvirnituq, while other dogs in the community run loose, hiding under houses, where they can’t be caught or shot by municipal dog catchers.

Mary Pirlutuut, mayor and regional counselor from Kangiqsujuaq said her community has the same problem. In Kangiqsujuaq, owners have two days to retrieve their stray dogs before they are shot.

Most Nunavimmiut tie up their dogs when they are warned that dog catchers are out and about in town, but let them loose again within a couple of days, councillors said.