Manitoba Animal Alliance seeking more support for animals left in evacuated communities

Dogs left behind in some evacuated northern communities are at the end of their supply.

“We need food. We need fosters,” said Barbara Smith, one of the directors of Manitoba Animal Alliance.

“It’s very desperate. The trailer, where the food is kept and managed by RCMP, is pretty much empty. It’s dwindled down to, I think, two boxes, a couple of bags. That’s it from all the food that was brought up.”

Manitoba Animal Alliance is ready to pack up another shipment, but they need a driver to take it to Cross Lake. They’re feeding the dogs that were left behind there, as well as rescuing those that need urgent medical care.

“It becomes emotional because you see the condition that these animals are in. The mange, for example, or a broken bone,” said Smith.

They’re also supporting the families who brought their pets with them to evacuation sites in Winnipeg.

“Some places didn’t have space for an animal, so they were sort of out luck. Then they can’t go into whatever shelter they’re staying.”

Manitoba Animal Alliance helps them find fosters to look after their dogs until they’re able to go back home. And while the response from Winnipeggers has been great, the needs are greater.

One pile might like a lot, but it could be gone within days to a week once it’s taken up to Cross Lake this weekend.

The work doesn’t stop.

“Pretty much 24/7. As I said, I wasn’t sure what day it was,” said Smith.

But they’re determined to keep going.

“Who’s going to speak up for the animals?”

The nonprofit is in desperate need of more food, foster families, volunteers, and monetary donations for vet bills. Those can be made through the Manitoba Animal Alliance website or by contacting them directly.