Penelakut joins Thetis to deal with animals
by Lon Wood

Penelakut Band hosted a meeting of Thetis and Kuper islands residents on June 9 to discuss ways of cutting back dog overpopulation and the problems that go with it on both islands.

The meeting, chaired by Band Manager Dorina Elliott, included Lon Wood, Rhonda Andrews and Ken Hunter from Thetis, and Dionne Ryder, band receptionist who on her own has done a lot of animal rescue and welfare; plus band members Denise James and Charlene Jack, who are supportive of improving the situation for the benefit of island residents.

The session covered a lot of points such as the following:

As both islands grow in people population, so grows the need to keep down the number of homeless, abandoned, diseased, abused, unwanted and marauding dogs. The tools are spaying, neutering and vaccination for Thetis/Kuper pets; placement of unwanted or unmanageable pets; discouraging taking “free” kittens and puppies handed out at Chemainus ferry terminal; education and awareness of how a healthy animal population makes it a healthier human habitat with happier, longer-living pets; safer environment for residents; and return of wildlife food sources previously wasted by dog packs.

The inter-island group’s goal is to go slow and steady and not self-destruct with initial overload. The trick will be to share the load with as many animal welfare financers as possible so as not to be a burden.

Of real importance, too, is to include young people on both islands in the whys and wherefores of the campaign. Robyn Dan on Kuper is the youth rep and on Thetis it is Tegan Luckham. Membership cards, a pledge, educational material and incentive prizes are also coming off the drawing board before school goes back after Labour Day.