FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION — Canada Post is expressing concern about the safety of mail carriers due to roaming dogs in the community.
An official notice, which was posted to the First Nation's Facebook page earlier this week, stated that Canada Post has notified the community officials that there continue to be issues around loose dogs and the safety of mail carriers.
In the notice, bylaw enforcement's Wyatt Bannon referenced a pair of by-laws within the First Nation, as well as civil liability for the owners, and the provincial Dog Owners Liability Act, which outlines when and how a dog can be seized.
In a statement, Canada Post confirmed there is a health and safety concern in Fort William First Nation about off-leash dogs and incidents for employees.
"This is a serious cause of concern for our delivery agents who deliver mail in the area every work day," the statement reads.
"As is our practice in similar situations, our local safety and operations teams work on solutions with the community to have delivery reinstated. We also work closely with City representatives and animal control on this issue. This is our approach across the country, and it often leads to a successful outcome. In the case of Fort William First Nation, since we deliver to community mailboxes, the owners of the loose dogs are unknown so we are working with their by-law enforcement and police."
Leo Favreau, the local Thunder Bay president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, told TBnewswatch that the mail carrier is highly cautious about leaving their vehicle to deliver mail to the community mailbox, as they have had previous encounters with these loose dogs. Favreau noted that keeping the postal workers safe is a major concern, while also acknowledging the importance of ensuring a community is getting regular mail service.
Canada Post said, in some cases, delivery can be suspended until the situation is resolved. While local numbers weren't provided, Canada Post said there are more than 550 dog interactions per year across the country.
Bannon, who did not provide an interview, confirmed the dogs are pets belonging to community members.
The Fort William First Nation notice said if the mail carriers feel threatened, they will leave and mail will not be delivered. It said dog owners could face fines, and dogs could be put down if they're found to have bitten or attacked a person or another pet, or if they're believed to be a menace to safety.
On the Canada Post website, people are asked to keep dogs inside, in a fenced yard, or tied up far from the front door or mailbox.
