By Sherry Stevens
Managing Editor, MHA Times
Many members have likely seen this dog’s photo appear on Facebook and other social media requesting someone to step forward and claim him or for help in capturing the
little critter so he can be adopted and saved from starvation or worse. The Three Affiliated Tribes Animal Control has been contacted many times over the past few months about a black and white “teddy bear” looking dog appearing dumped and homeless. It seemed to be searching for its owner’s vehicle along Highway 23 right before the Memorial Bridge over Lake Sakakawea. Fortunately, this little guy is not lost and is owned by a family who lives up on the hill in Sahnish, in the 200 block of Main Street just above the bridgeway. Apparently, he likes to walk the footpath crossing the bridge and wander down by Lake Sakakawea and play in the waves while sniffing around in the rocks.
After another sighting of the little dog along the river by an MHA Times’ staff member, and upon contacting TAT’s Animal Control (TATAC) late Friday afternoon, it was discovered that many attempts were made this summer by TATAC to live trap the little guy, but he proved to be quite skittish and stealthy as he rambled up a steep quarter-mile tract incline toward his house where his family of other dogs barked and jumped for joy upon his return.
The long mystery is finally solved as the little guy has a home across the highway, and this is why he never appears to be malnourished, weak, or matted, as other dogs who remain lost after being dumped or missing for long periods.
Officer Javier Sandoval reports there is a leash law comprised of the entire reservation, and there have been leash law violation calls where dogs run and neighbors report dogs running loose. For the dogs and public safety, all dogs are required to be on a leash, contained or within owners control. Also, all dogs on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation are required to be licensed. All prohibited breeds will not be licensed.
Please read Title 8 section 3-03-04. Running at Large Prohibited; Wastes; of the TAT Ordinance. The link is below:
Sandavol has worked for TAT Animal Control since March 2020, and he said, “I jumped in to learn and understand the ordinance and how to assist Fort Berthold Community Members. We handle domestic dog and cat issues only. No livestock calls.” The TATAC covers jurisdiction from White Shield to Twin Buttes (all six segments on Fort Berthold Indian Reservation). For further questions, call Sandoval at 701-627-2654.
