Blood Tribe Chief and Council (“Council”) have a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its Members and residents on the Blood Reserve No. 148 and 148A (the “Blood Reserve”).
Council hereby declares a State of Emergency due to recent dog attacks which have taken place on the Blood Reserve and create a serious and immediate risk to public safety. This State of Emergency remains in effect until further notice or until Council determines that the risk to public safety has been adequately addressed.
Council has directed the following response in accordance with the Blood Tribe/Kainai Emergency Protection Bylaw 04-2020 (the “Emergency Protection Bylaw”) and the Blood Tribe Dog Control Bylaw 01-2006 (the “Dog Control Bylaw”).
The Blood Tribe Police Service and Blood Tribe Land Management Department will work jointly to enforce the directive passed by Council, which is set out below.
NOW THEREFORE TAKE NOTICE THAT:
- Declaration of State of Emergency
A State of Emergency is hereby declared by Blood Tribe Chief and Council as a result of attacks carried out by aggressive dog(s) on the Blood Reserve in accordance with Council’s powers under the Emergency Protection Bylaw.
- Authorization to Enforce Dog Control Bylaw
Animal Control Officer(s) within the meaning of the Dog Control Bylaw are hereby directed to fully enforce the Dog Control Bylaw for the duration of this emergency, which includes the authority to seize and remove aggressive dog(s) from the care and control of their owner(s) where required to protect public safety.
- Veterinary Assessment
Following seizure and removal being carried out by the Animal Control Officer(s), any aggressive dog(s) will be assessed by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian will provide a professional opinion and recommendations regarding appropriate measures to address the risk posed by the animal(s). Any further steps in relation to any aggressive dog(s) seized under the Dog Control Bylaw will be administered in accordance with the Dog Control Bylaw.
- Further Enforcement Measures
Animal Control Officers(s) are further authorized to take any additional steps permitted under the Dog Control Bylaw that are necessary to respond to and manage this emergency situation.
- Public Safety Warning
All Blood Tribe Members and residents of the Blood Reserve are hereby warned to exercise heightened care and caution, particularly around unfamiliar or unattended dogs. Parents and caregivers are urged to closely supervise children at all times.
- Reporting
Blood Tribe Members are encouraged to immediately report any aggressive dog behaviour, attacks, or similar concerns to the Blood Tribe Land Management Department – Livestock Control Officers (Animal Control Officers), at 403-634-9419.
Blood Tribe Chief and Council
Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa
