New dog control rules approved. Border collies (photo / Dreamstimes 97682755)

By Kevin Rothwell

Tougher rules for bad dogs

New regional dog control bylaw ready to run

Mar 19, 2021 | 5:15 AM

Public input on the Regional District of North Okanagan dog control bylaw is now complete, and with some minor adjustments, the new rules will be rolled out May 1, 2021.

The bylaw was undertaken following a report that jurisdictions in the RDNO, had inconsistent rules when it came to dog control.

Part of the focus of the new legislation is creating a more robust response to aggressive and dangerous animals, including a ban on those canines in public places.

The majority of feedback was positive, with comments such as:

• “heartening to see proposed changes pertaining to aggressive and dangerous dogs”

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• “this is long overdue”

• “this will make it safer out there”

• “there are a lot of positive changes”

A number of enquiries were received regarding the limit of three dogs and how the change would impact people who currently have more than three dogs. These limits have been in place in the City of Vernon and Village of Lumby for many years without issue. Enforcement would be on a complaint basis, and would likely be related to barking or odor, rather than with the actual number of dogs.

The limit of four dogs in dog parks at any one time by any one person was forwarded to dog walking businesses as well as Rover, which is a service for dog walkers. Feedback was received that the majority of dog walkers have only one or two dogs at a time so the change would not impact them.

Concerns were received regarding the additional responsibilities and potential costs of adding animal care provisions to the dog control bylaw. The BC SPCA would be the first line of contact to investigate any animal care concerns, however the BC SPCA has no authority to issue tickets.

Animal Care provisions in the Dog Control Bylaw allows the SPCA and the dog control contractor to coordinate their efforts.

An education campaign will be undertaken about the updated bylaw through veterinary offices, pet stores, groomers, dog walkers, and dog associations, as well as notifications on the RDNO website, social media sites, and signage at dog parks.