Natural Resources
Executive Council
June 27, 2014
Responsible Protection of Domestic Animals in Communities
Chinook Project Helps Keep Pets Healthy in Remote Areas of Labrador
For the second year in a row, the Provincial Government is continuing its support of the Chinook Project, an outreach program based out of the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island that offsets the lack of veterinary services in some remote areas of Labrador.
“The health and welfare of animals in this province is of concern to our department. The Chinook Project helps to ensure dogs and cats remain healthy in remote areas that are otherwise without veterinary services. The Provincial Government invests $15,000 annually in this project and helps provide logistical support and cooperation to the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
The Chinook Project involves licensed veterinarians and senior veterinary students. Free services will be provided in Sheshatshiu, June 27-30, at the Band Council Garage, and in Rigolet, July 1-4, at the Community Centre. Support is provided by the Innu band councils or the Inuit Community Governments in the communities involved. All veterinarians volunteer their time to participate.
“It is really encouraging to see the Provincial Government continuing to support Labrador. Living in remote or isolated communities impacts the lives of residents by making needed services difficult to access. By travelling to Labrador communities to provide veterinary services free of charge, the Chinook Project will be improving the health of domestic animals in these communities and benefiting residents greatly.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
More information on the Chinook Project is available at www.chinookproject.ca
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QUICK FACTS
- For the second year in a row, the Provincial Government is continuing its support of the Chinook Project, an outreach program to offset the lack of veterinary services in some remote areas of Labrador.
- From 2010-13, the clinics provided spay/neutering, vaccination, de-worming and general check-ups to 627 dogs and 37 cats in the communities of Nain, Natuashish, Makkovik, Hopedale and Postville while also addressing medical concerns such as infections.
- With the cyclic appearance of rabies in Labrador, vaccinations and dog population control are important means of reducing the risks of domestic animal and human exposure.
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| Media contacts: Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
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