NEWMARKET, ON, (February 9, 2006) - Following up on the success of Spay North, an Ontario SPCA pilot project launched in 2004 to bring spay/neuter and vaccination services to isolated northern communities, a team consisting of Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector Alison McAllister, a veterinarian, veterinary technicians and humane educators will be flying to the Kashechewan First Nation community February 13 to offer veterinary services and provide the local school with humane education on dog bite prevention and the humane treatment of animals.

The plight of Kashechewan's dog population is familiar to McAllister who has twice airlifted desperately needed donated food to more than 80 hungry dogs and puppies left behind by owners after a contaminated water crisis forced the evacuation of the community's residents in late 2005. Most residents have since returned and are caring for their pets.

"Over the past three months I've had frequent contact with the Kashechewan First Nation regarding dog overpopulation in the community," says McAllister. "They do not have desperately needed veterinary services in their community; therefore, they are very supportive of Spay North and are looking forward to our visit. So far we have 80 surgeries scheduled in Kashechewan and nearby Fort Albany over the program's five days."

Many generous supporters are involved with Spay North 2006. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has offered financial assistance as well as a donation of vaccines, and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), Sir Sandford Fleming College and members of the public have also offered financial support.

During the original Spay North pilot project in November 2004, 55 animals were spayed/neutered and 117 were vaccinated in the northern communities of Moose Factory and Moosonee over four days. As well, 16 dogs were surrendered to the Ontario SPCA and sent to adoption centres throughout Ontario.