A new petition is calling on the Government of the Northwest Territories to provide funding to the Yellowknife-based NWT SPCA.

The NWT SPCA is the only animal welfare organization in the territory and runs a shelter out of Yellowknife. The volunteer-based non-profit relies on public donations and fundraising to support work like bringing spay and neuter clinics to remote communities around the territory.

A started by the organization three days ago says they can't continue that work without ongoing financial help from the government.

"The struggle to operate the organization is immense and would be improved significantly if dedicated funding was provided by the GNWT," the petition description states.

"With little or no vet care available, most communities are over-run with unwanted dogs and lack the resources to do much. This, in turn, leads to safety issues, much suffering by the animals and emotional harm to the residents of the communities."

At the time of writing the petition had garnered 1,492 signatures out of its 1,500 goal.