Canada stops using 'avalanche dogs' for rescues in Rocky Mountains, stirring outrage
Summary
Parks Canada is ending its 55-year canine search-and-rescue program in Banff National Park, effective this month. The agency says rescue operations will continue through other means, while critics warn that removing the dog-handler role could affect public and staff safety.Key Facts
- Parks Canada confirmed it will eliminate the program’s only remaining dog-handler position in Banff National Park.
- The agency said the decision is part of efforts to modernize its law-enforcement branch.
- The program operated for 55 years and used dogs to locate missing people and search for victims after avalanches.
- The last working dog, a German shepherd named Leroy, retired in August after seven years on the job.
- Parks Canada said Leroy helped track 156 people, find 57 people lost in the wilderness, and solve two murders in Banff.
- A replacement dog had been trained and was ready for duty before Parks Canada announced the program’s closure.
- More than 5,000 people signed a petition to restore the program, started by Conservative MP William Stevenson.
- The closure comes amid C$145 million in Parks Canada budget cuts and wider federal public-service reductions.
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