To the Mayor and Council of Iqaluit:

We, the undersigned, are calling on Council to immediately halt and reconsider the proposed amendment to the City’s Animal Control By-law, which passed second reading on May 13, 2025.

If passed in its current form, this amendment will allow owned, impounded dogs to be destroyed after just 24 hours — even if they are licensed. This policy is cruel, dangerous, and out of step with responsible governance.

There are better, more humane solutions available. A rushed, punitive response won’t protect people — it will only erode public trust and lead to more suffering.

We urge Council to:

• Reject the bylaw in its current form at third reading
• Extend the hold period to at least 72 hours, with guaranteed efforts to contact owners
• Work with rescue partners like Nunavut Animal Rescue to support transfers
• Support public education and free licensing outreach
• Accept help — including donated tie-outs, collars, and tags to support compliance without City costs

There are better, more humane solutions available. The community is watching — and we believe most residents want an approach that protects both people and animals.

Please do the right thing. Vote no on this bylaw as written, and work with the community on a better path forward. 

Donate or share our fundraiser for Nunavut Animal Rescue’s spay/neuter program:
https://gofund.me/8a783d02
(Canadian residents will receive a tax receipt for donations.)