More than half of the intakes last year were puppies. (ID 62013 © Britishbeef | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

rescue

NAR receives more than 400 intakes in 2024

Jan 31, 2025 | 3:50 PM

Attending to animals in need once again proved to be daunting task for Northern Animal Rescue (NAR) in 2024.

That’s according to an email sent to larongeNOW from the board of directors, which stated the non-profit assisted 404 animals last year. That included 63 dogs, 212 puppies, 39 cats and 90 kittens. The intakes included roaming animals, rescues, surrenders, and strays experiencing medical emergencies.

“NAR often receives requests for assistance outside the scope of our operations and what we have legal authority to do,” the email noted.

“For those who may not know, NAR only has authority to pick up roaming dogs, and particularly we focus on those within the Town of La Ronge, and communities such as Napatak. While we can pick up roaming dogs in other locations in the tri-community, each community has their own processes, bylaws, and employees for animal control. We encourage residents of Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities to contact their respective leadership about animal control issues in their communities.”

NAR does not have authority to remove owned pets from property without written authorization from an owner wishing to surrender their pet. In situations where there are concerns of abuse, neglect, or in other circumstances involving owned animals that are within the owner’s property, NAR encourages citizens to contact Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan or their local bylaw enforcement.

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“Anyone with concerns about municipal animal control bylaws being followed is encouraged to contact their local bylaw enforcement,” the email added.

“We are not a veterinary service. We receive frequent requests from pet owners and concerned citizens asking NAR to diagnose illnesses or injuries, provide veterinary care, or to come take injured or sick family pets. NAR does not have the ability to do any of the above and encourages all pet owners to seek appropriate veterinary care for their animals.”

Animal rescues across Canada are in a difficult spot at the moment with many rescues needing to close their doors due to rising costs and a high volume of intakes, coupled with decreases in volunteers and donations. NAR is often needing to place dogs out of province due to the current climate in rescue work, having placed some of animals with rescues in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia within the last year. That would not be possible without volunteers to help with transportation.

“In 2024, volunteers made 23 total trips south, including 21 by ground and two flights with a total of 111 animals transported to rescue partners, foster homes and forever homes by volunteers,” the email read.

Also in 2024, NAR had positive discussions with tri-community leadership in regards to regional solutions to animal control. That could include the organization moving into a building in Air Ronge.

NAR is also in the process of hiring a new animal control officer with details posted on their Facebook page. The job will remain posted until filled and anyone with questions are encouraged to reach out to the board.

The non-profit has a few vacancies on its board and is looking for a treasurer. Volunteers are also always needed.

“Our board plays an active role in our organization, volunteering at the pound when needed and at various community events,” the email stated.

“If you are interested in becoming a board member, please reach out to NAR via social media or speak to a board member. Our current board members are all listed on our website.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com