Grant: College & Community Social Innovation Fund

Effective domestic animal population management is crucial for the welfare of both animals and communities across Canada. While numerous non-profit organizations strive to control stray populations by spaying and neutering companion animals, challenges persist, particularly in Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities often contend with limited resources, cultural considerations, and geographical isolation, which can exacerbate challenges related to animal welfare and population management. This collaborative initiative between the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society (OSPCA), Collège Boréal, and five Indigenous collaborators endeavors to address the distinctive challenges faced by these Northern Ontario communities in managing their domestic animal population. In this proposed 3-year research project, representatives from Constance Lake First Nation, United Chiefs and Council of Mnidoo Mnising, Mississauga First Nation, and Couchiching First Nation will actively engage in decision-making processes to establish a baseline understanding of in-community animal populations, identify barriers and resources for effective management, and develop a toolkit encompassing educational resources and best practices. Importantly, all project activity decisions within an Indigenous community will be led by a representative of that community. This community-led approach aims to better support partnering communities by ensuring that the project planning and implementation aligns with their requirements. The project plans to employ surveys targeting both community members and bylaw officers to gather comprehensive data, which will be owned by the participating communities. With an emphasis on community ownership and active involvement, the project aims to empower these communities in managing their domestic animal populations in a manner that aligns with their unique needs and goals. By adopting a holistic approach, our project seeks to foster mutual understanding and respect, and contribute to the national healing process. We believe our approach has the potential to create lasting positive change and be an example for similar initiatives in the future.