Temporary disruption to municipal animal control services

Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer

A restructuring at the Municipality of Sioux Lookout that will see By-law Enforcement and Animal Control being transferred to the Corporate Services Department has forced a temporary disruption to animal control services in the municipality. A media release issued Jan.10 states that, “Effective today, By-law Enforcement and Animal Control have been transferred to the Corporate Services Department. As a result of this change to staff and structure, the Municipality will be unable to offer animal control services for the next three weeks while required training takes place.”

By-law Enforcement and Animal Control had previously been run under the Emergency Services Department.

Speaking to the changes, Brian P. MacKinnon, Sioux Lookout Manager of Corporate Services/ Municipal Clerk had this to say. “The decision was based on the highest and best use of resources, and part of an ongoing organizational review. There will still be one By-law Enforcement/Animal Control Officer – the structure simply refers to the change in department and reporting.” 

The training period will be used to “fulfill legal obligations and health and safety considerations,” added MacKinnon, who also confirmed that all other By-law Enforcement requests will be continue to be handled during this three-week period. 

The Sioux Lookout By-Law Enforcement and Animal Control Services works closely with the Sioux Looks Out for Paws volunteer animal rescue to provide for local animals in need. As MacKinnon explained, “Animal Control Services works closely with the Sioux Looks Out for Paws Shelter. The Municipality owns, operates and maintains the Pound. The volunteers from Sioux Looks Out for Paws provide tremendous support to the Municipality by assisting and helping to care for animals that are being housed at the Pound (not to mention helping to find animals surrendered to the Municipality, forever homes), as well as contributing significantly to the day-to-day operation of the Pound. Sioux Looks Out for Paws is an incredible group and Sioux Lookout is very lucky to have these amazing volunteers to contribute to animal welfare in our community.”

Once the three-week training period is completed Animal Control Services are set to resume.