Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service

Statement from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. During this time of profound grief, we stand united as a policing family, sharing in your sorrow and offering our unwavering support.

The AMPS extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Pinizzotto and Constable Bali. Their dedication, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We honour their memory and stand with all those affected by this tragic loss.

COMMUNITY SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN AKWESASNE
The Akwesasne Compliance Department is committed to ensuring the peace, safety, and well-being of all community members, elders, families, and pets.

Responsible dog ownership helps support shared spaces and healthy communities. Please review the following local requirements and by-laws:


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A DOG OWNER
• Keep Dogs Secured: Under the Emergency Interim Dog Control Regulation, your dog must be kept under control at all times. Allowing a dog to roam freely in neighbourhoods or on public grounds (such as school grounds, clinics, or daycares) constitutes an offence.
• Vaccinations & Living Areas: Owners are legally required to provide proper care, including adequate food, water, shelter, and up-to-date vaccinations. Failing to provide proper living areas or failing to maintain proper vaccination records can result in an "Improper Care of Dog" charge.
• Preventing Aggression: Aggressive dogs pose a significant risk to public safety. If your dog shows aggressive tendencies, it must be securely restrained and kept away from the general public to prevent highly dangerous biting incidents.
• Preventing Unwanted Litters: We strongly encourage all residents to spay or neuter their dogs to prevent overpopulation.


CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
Failing to properly manage your domestic animals can lead to enforcement actions:

Financial & Legal Liability: Owners are strictly liable for any property damage or physical injuries caused by their dog when it is not under control. Victims have the right to seek compensation through the Akwesasne Mohawk Court. Additionally, repeat offences or violations of the Control of Dogs By-Law can result in a fine of $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.

Seizure and Surrender: Under our current operating procedures, the Compliance Department can seize loose or aggressive dogs that pose a risk to the community. Captured dogs are taken to a holding facility. If an animal is not claimed by its owner within four (4) days, it will officially be deemed a surrender and transferred to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

UPDATE: SWEETGRASS LANE REOPENED IN KANA:TAKON (2:40 P.M.)
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) advises the community that Sweetgrass Lane has reopened and traffic has returned to normal in the area.
Nia:wen for your patience and cooperation.

SWEETGRASS LANE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
May 7, 2026 (2:00 p.m.) — Due to an ongoing maintenance issue at the Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Health Facility in Kana:takon, Sweetgrass Lane is currently closed for an extended period while emergency response teams remain on site.

The Hogansburg Akwesasne Vol Fire Department and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service are assisting with the situation and managing traffic in the area. The public is asked to avoid the area and exercise caution.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. The roadway and facility will reopen once it is safe to do so.