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By Pete McIntyre

RDNO

New bylaw brings stiffer fines for dog control violations

Apr 6, 2021 | 3:05 PM

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s (RDNO) new dog control bylaw will have more bite to it when it takes effect on May 1.

“The number of dogs and dog-related incidents has continued to increase,” a RDNO news release stated. “The new bylaw includes many changes that make the RDNO’s bylaw consistent with other animal control bylaws in the dog control service area.”

Some of the major changes from the previous bylaw include:

• The fine for having an unlicensed dog will rise from $100 to $300. Dog licences remain unchanged at $20.
• The fine for excessive barking will rise from $100 to $200.
• Dogs must be licenced from the age of three months and older (previously was 6 months).
• An individual is limited to bringing four dogs to the park at one time. The limit helps ensure that a person is able to supervise and be in control of the dogs at all times.
• Resisting or interfering with the animal control officer can result in a $1,000 fine, up from $500.
• The fine for a dog bite or attack that inflicts an injury to a person will rise from $200 to $500.

The new bylaw also includes stronger measures regarding aggressive and dangerous dogs.

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• Dogs that have been officially deemed aggressive are not allowed in any off-leash dog park, sports field, playground, public beach, swimming area, park, trail or school ground at any times.
• Owners must post signs on their property warning of a dangerous dog. Failure to post signs will result in a $500 fine.
• While in public, aggressive dogs must be on a leash no longer than 1 metre and must wear a muzzle.

“Aggressive and dangerous dogs are dogs that have been officially deemed by an animal control officer, the RCMP, the BC SPCA, a veterinarian, or by the court following a thorough investigation of an incident,” the RDNO release said. “Aggressive dogs are not breed-specific, and owners are notified of the designation and the responsibilities of keeping an aggressive dog.”

The RDNO board of directors approved the new dog control bylaw on March 17, 2021, and it takes effect on May 1, 2021.

It applies to the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream, Village of Lumby, Electoral Area B (Swan Lake/Commonage), Electoral Area C (BX/Silver Star), and the portion of Electoral Area D (Rural Lumby) within the fire protection area.

The bylaw was first introduced at the January 2021 board meeting. Following initial consideration of the bylaw, the RDNO got feedback from stakeholders and the general public. Changes to the bylaw were made based on the input.