Should the electoral areas in Thompson-Nicola Regional District provide a service to deal with dangerous dogs?
“I’m not buying into the (dangerous dog) bylaw,” said Tim Pennell, TNRD director for Wells Gray Country (Area A) following meetings in Kamloops last Wednesday and Thursday. “I don’t see that the bylaw, as presently written, would provide a service that would offer enough value for dollar.”
Pennell said he has no patience with people who keep dangerous dogs. A cousin of his had his nose bitten off by a dog when he was three years old. His relative was disfigured for the rest of his life.
A provisional budget from staff put the cost of the providing the service at $25,000 per year, which Pennell felt was far too low.
“If a dangerous dog is seized, it could be a 12 to 18 month legal process if the owner won’t agree to have it put down. That $25,000 might be enough to cover one dog,” he said.
The proposed dangerous dog bylaw was presented by staff during a meeting of electoral area directors on Wednesday. Three of them: Pennell, Ken Gillis of Monte Creek/Pinantan, and Ronaye Elliott of Savona, declined to take part.
If the bylaw goes ahead despite the holdouts, it will be brought before the TNRD board for approval early next year.
The proposed bylaw only involves electoral areas and District of Clearwater is not involved, said Mayor John Harwood.
The mayor noted that under the Livestock Act, anyone is allowed to kill any dog on the spot that is attacking or harassing livestock such as cattle or chickens.