Crime, open drug use and discarded needles are a scourge many in the metro area know all too well, but it’s something also plaguing rural communities.
Residents of North West River Labrador – with a population of less than 600 – say they no longer feel safe with drug activity in the town.
A guard dog on duty in North West River (Billy Gauthier)
Things came to a head last week when local artist Billy Gauthier was attacked and bitten by an off-leash guard dog. Gauthier required tetanus and rabies shots after the animal grabbed him in the ribs, leaving deep puncture marks.
A closeup of the injury Billy Gauthier suffered following a dog attack (Billy L R Gauthier/Facebook)
Roxanne Riche has organized a peaceful protest for November 9th – the date of the next council meeting – seeking action.
“Enough is enough” says Riche, “we want to show that we’re done being silent and letting these people just take over our small community.”
“We have four main streets…two of those streets that people won’t go on because of the drug usage and the dogs and the things that happen in that area.”)
She says they want to hold the RCMP and town council accountable. She’s invited members of council and the RCMP to meet with them to listen to their concerns.
