PELICAN NARROWS, Sask. — An adult suffered life-threatening injuries in a dog attack in Pelican Narrows on Nov. 2, prompting calls for answers and a review of public safety measures from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN).
At approximately 11 a.m., Pelican Narrows RCMP received a report of an adult injured by dogs on McKay Street.
Officers responded immediately and located the injured adult on McKay Street.
RCMP officers provided immediate medical assistance and transported the person in a police vehicle to the health clinic, where their injuries were described as life-threatening.
"Our thoughts are with them and their family as they continue to receive medical treatment. Saskatchewan RCMP will not be providing an update on their condition, nor providing any further identifying details," police said.
After leaving the clinic, officers returned to the scene to investigate further. They located three dogs nearby that investigators determined were involved in the incident. In the interest of public safety, officers put down all three dogs.
Pelican Narrows RCMP continue to investigate the incident.
This is the second dog-related injury recently reported to Pelican Narrows RCMP.
The previous incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Pelican Narrows RCMP responded to a report of an adult at the medical clinic who had been injured by a dog. Officers investigated and located the dog determined to be involved in the Oct. 31 incident. The dog's owners ultimately put it down following discussions with police.
RCMP said the two incidents are considered separate and did not involve the same owners or dogs.
First Nation seeks answers
In a Nov. 2 news release, PBCN said its leadership held an emergency meeting following the attack and is seeking clarification from RCMP about previous complaints involving potentially dangerous dogs and what actions may have been taken.
"Our health staff have been responding to these incidents, and we take their concerns very seriously," Vice Chief Halcrow said in the release.
PBCN is also calling for a review of the circumstances surrounding the attack and examining what additional measures may be needed to improve public safety.
Staff Sgt. Kirychuk, Pelican Narrows RCMP detachment commander, said police are prepared to meet with PBCN leadership to discuss next steps.
“Yesterday, Pelican Narrows RCMP officers responded to a horrific incident which resulted in severe injuries to a community member. This event has undoubtedly impacted the community and the police officers who responded. We welcome the opportunity to meet with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation to determine next possible steps to ensure community safety, but policing is not the sole solution to aggressive animals. Generally speaking, police become involved in aggressive animal situations when criminality is suspected,” said Staff Sgt. Kirychuk in the release.
“In the meantime, we recommend that Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation dog owners do not let their dogs run free. A dog may not be aggressive when alone, but its behaviour may change when it’s in a pack. To avoid this, ensure your dogs are tied up or kept inside a fenced area.”
-With files from Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday
