I am writing to bring attention to a distressing incident involving the Tsu’utina Police and a community dog. From reports, it appears that the dog was attempting to protect an individual who had collapsed, showing no intention of harm. These community dogs are a shared responsibility and integral part of our environment, often providing comfort and protection to residents.  Thankfully the dog survived.

It sounds like this dog was trying to protect this person.  These community dogs are everyone’s dogs, and this dog sounds like they were scared when first aid was being administered.  Shooting the dog, even as a “last resort” is not humane nor effective. 

It was mentioned that canine encounter training was done.  It is unlikely that this training was anything more than a video module by the CPKN.  Real training takes much longer and police, even with training, are under extreme stress and often overreact. It sounds like the dog was behaving normally in a stressful situation. “Lunging and trying to bite” sounds more like a protective rather than aggressive dog.  A dog toy or dog treats to peacefully redirect the dog is better than “de escalation” which is probably a series of uses of force. 

Police unfortunately add a lot of stress and bring their own trauma to a situation, often reacting with violence.  What is needed is better mental healthcare for police, and more humane tools to help dogs in stressful situations.  Also, Animal Services should be at every single 911 call, in case of a canine encounter. 

The systemic problem here is that the bylaws are punitive, rather than protective.  "Vicious" dogs include any dog who "without provocation" destroyed property.  "Vicious" dogs must be either removed or seized and killed, no tiered system and the dog is assumed guilty until proven innocent.  It is also illegal to let cats stray, and any cat not claimed after 7 days is killed.  Very little animal protection exists in the bylaws, except for one vaguely written clause at the end.  All Animal Services response are managed by police.  https://partii-partiii.fng.ca/fng-gpn-ii-iii/pii/en/476062/1/document.do

We would like bylaws reform and an Indigenous run Humane Society shelter to protect animals and provide a humane response, plus spay neuter and vaccines clinics, and free dog training and food bank.

The decision to use lethal force, reportedly as a 'last resort', on a frightened dog during a tense situation raises serious concerns about the current protocols in place for animal encounters. It has come to light that canine encounter training was conducted by the police; however, the depth and effectiveness of this training are questionable. It seems plausible that the training provided was merely a brief instructional video, potentially lacking the comprehensive and practical components necessary for real-life applications.

A person familiar with the incident mentioned that the individual who collapsed was not harmed by the dog. This further highlights the need for a review of the measures taken by law enforcement during such incidents. Humane alternatives must be considered to ensure the safety of both humans and animals involved.

To prevent future occurrences, I urge Tsu’utina Police to adopt more extensive and hands-on training programs focused on non-violent intervention tactics during canine encounters. This approach will better prepare officers to handle these situations with the care and sensitivity they require. Ensuring officers receive practical and thorough training will ultimately protect both community members and their beloved dogs from unnecessary harm.

I ask for your support in urging the Tsu’utina Police to re-evaluate and improve their canine encounter protocols. Every sign counts in promoting a safer and more humane approach towards handling situations involving dogs. Please sign this petition to advocate for change and prevent tragic outcomes in the future.