Bylaw announces new dog control measures

Dog control bylaws in the North Okanagan have recently been updated, and it will mean changes for some pet owners.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) says owners are now required to carry doggy bags with them and to leash their dogs whenever they are not on their property or in their homes, or not in an off-leash designated park or area.

The new rules apply to Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, and electoral areas B and C.

“For most dog owners, this will not be a new habit,” Ashley Gregerson the communications officer with RDNO, said. “Most owners have already been leashing their dogs and picking up after them voluntarily. To make it a consistent behaviour, there are now bylaws in effect that clearly state what is required.”

Gregerson said an unleashed dog can be incredibly friendly and still unintentionally hurt someone.

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“If a dog were to jump up to greet an elderly person or a child and knock them over. It’s really about having respect for the people and animals you’re sharing the path with,” Gregerson said.

Gregerson told Vernon Matters they always prefer to avoid fining people by providing education and warnings, but the bylaw is enforceable as it came into effect in early October.

“The ticket for not having a dog on a leash is $100, and the ticket for not carrying a bag or some method of picking up after their dog is $25. But we want to emphasize that education is very important, and our first choice, for achieving compliance,” Gregerson said.

Dog leashes must be no longer than 2.4 metre.

RDNO’s top five reasons to keep your dog on a leash:

1. Not all people are dog people. A person may be distressed, uncomfortable, or afraid of a dog.
2. Avoid preventable veterinary bills. Leashing a dog is the best way to keep your dog from being sick or injured. Harmful plants or objects and contaminated water may pose a health or safety concern to unleashed dogs.
3. Avoid injuries. A dog could intentionally or unintentionally injure a person, including the elderly and children, another animal, or itself. Unleashed dogs can also run out into traffic.
4. Protect the Environment. Leashing your dog can reduce disturbance to sensitive wildlife habitats and negative wildlife encounters.
5. It’s the law. Outside of your home, property, and dog parks, your furry friend MUST be on a leash no longer than 2.4 metres if you’re in Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Electoral Areas B & C.