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Dog Bylaw Change Panned By City

Jun 15, 2018 | 6:16 AM

A proposed change to put more bite into RDNO’s dog control bylaw is getting no support from Vernon council.

The change would require dogs to basically be on a leash in all public areas, other than permitted off-leash sites.

Mayor Akbal Mund says it’s too far reaching, and everyone on council was against it.

“There’s five percent of owners who are probably not good dog owners, and 95 percent of people are good owners, so do we penalize the 95 percent who are good dog owners?” says Mund.

The change was requested by a resident whose dog was attacked by two unleashed bull mastiffs last year, resulting in the dog and its owner needing medical attention.

Councillor Scott Anderson says the change goes too far.

“It’s heavy handed and frankly unenforceable too. It’s just a hassle. It’s like banning cars because somebody got their foot run over. It’s just not a good idea.”

The regional district is getting input on the proposal from its members.