PELICAN NARROWS, Sask. — Saskatchewan recorded nearly 2,900 emergency department visits associated with dog-related injuries in 2025-26, according to Ministry of Health data provided following recent serious dog attacks in Pelican Narrows.
The figures come after a serious dog attack in the northern community Nov. 2 and a separate dog-related injury reported days earlier. Those incidents prompted questions about the prevalence of dog-related injuries, public safety measures and what residents should do if they are bitten.
According to data provided to SaskToday by the Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan recorded 2,895 emergency department visits in 2025-26 associated with the external cause code W54, "bitten or struck by dog." The category includes dog bites as well as injuries caused by contact with dogs, such as being knocked over or struck.
Adults between the ages of 20 and 39 accounted for the largest number of visits, with 529 among those aged 20 to 29 and 514 among those aged 30 to 39. Children younger than 10 accounted for 396 visits, while youth aged 10 to 19 accounted for 386.
By reporting zone, Regina recorded the highest number of emergency department visits at 594, followed by the southeast zone at 547 and Saskatoon at 408. The Far North zone reported 213 visits.
While the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) does not currently have data indicating whether dog-related injuries are increasing in northern Saskatchewan specifically, Dr. Khami Chokani, a medical health officer with the SHA, said health officials continue to monitor reports of animal attacks.
Chokani said anyone bitten by a dog should seek medical attention, whether through an emergency department, urgent care centre or walk-in clinic.
Health-care providers assess the location and severity of the injury and consult a medical health officer when necessary to determine whether rabies treatment is required.
"The top risk is, of course, infection," Chokani said. "There is foreign matter that is introduced into the body through that particular bite."
Medical staff also assess tetanus immunization status.
According to Chokani, patients may require a tetanus booster if five years or more have passed since their last dose, depending on the type of wound and other medical circumstances.
Rabies treatment is recommended only after an assessment determines there is a potential risk of rabies exposure.
Beyond physical injuries, Chokani said serious dog attacks can also leave lasting emotional effects.
"There is definitely trauma," he said, noting some individuals may experience anxiety or other psychological impacts after an attack.
He pointed residents to organizations such as humane societies and SPCAs as resources for animal safety education and information on preventing future incidents. He also highlighted dog safety programs that teach people how to safely interact with animals and reduce the risk of bites.
The Ministry of Government Relations said Saskatchewan municipalities have broad authority to address dangerous animals through local bylaws regulating animal ownership, animals running at large and enforcement measures.
The ministry said recent legislative changes allow municipalities to declare an animal dangerous without first obtaining a court order, provided local bylaws include notice and appeal provisions.
When a dog is declared dangerous, conditions may include keeping the animal in a secure enclosure, requiring it to be muzzled and leashed in public, carrying liability insurance and notifying authorities if the animal is moved to another municipality.
The ministry said municipalities may also seize, impound or destroy animals under certain circumstances, including when they are attacking people or domestic animals, pose an imminent threat or show signs of rabies.
Chokani said avoiding situations that may cause an animal to feel threatened remains one of the most effective ways to prevent attacks.
"One has to be careful when coming in contact with an animal," he said.
