The Whitehorse Star, December 24, 1953

RCMP shoot dogs on street citizens flee homes in terror

Wednesday morning about 9 a.m. RCMP are reported to have descended on to the southern part of town and shot a number of dogs on the streets and vacant lots.

In describing the whole affair one lady, when interviewed, stated that she was awakened about 9:30 o'clock in the morning by gunshots around her home, and that on looking out of the front window saw two RCMP constables with guns, running down the street in front of her house, chasing dogs. When she went out to speak to them a constable was just putting a revolver bullet into a small brown dog to finish him off. On being asked why they were shooting dogs instead of taking them to the pound so the owner would have a choice of paying a fine or having the dog destroyed, the constables are reported to have said that they were given the order by the Mayor to shoot on sight. Mayor Armstrong, when asked about this statement, said definitely that he had issued no such orders.

The witness went on to say that she watched the RCMP load the dead dogs on their truck. One was a small, golden cocker spaniel which had on a red collar. Sickening of the sight the lady returned to her house and again heard the report of a gun and horrible howl of a dying dog. A neighbor who was upset and shaking from the shooting then came over and the two women went downtown to avoid witnessing further shooting.

Mr. George Dierk also reports that his dog was shot by the RCMP Wednesday morning. Mr. Dierk said that his dog was trained and obedient and that every day the dog faithfully followed his wife to the hospital, where she is employed.

According to reports the police entered the hospital grounds and without asking questions or making any inquiries promptly shot the dog taking what seemed to be 10 or 12 shots to complete their work. Mr. Dierk said that the whole incident so upset his wife that she had to leave her work and go home.

Mr. Dierk states that in his opinion there was no need for the shooting. He said that if they had wanted to pick up the dog they could have done that and he would have paid the fine.

The Animal Contagious Diseases Act states that all dogs, other then those being used while sledding, must be securely tied or effectively confined. The owner of any dog found at large is guilty of a violation of the order and upon conviction is liable to a penalty not exceeding five hundred dollars and not less than fifty dollars. However by Order-in-Council the Animal Contagious Diseases Act was amended and the amendment states that any dog or other animal that is not detained may be destroyed by a Federal police constable.

Unfortunately the amendment does not state the how, when or where of the case.

By-law No. 7 of the City of Whitehorse which regulates the use of firearms states that no person shall fire or discharge any gun or other firearm in any place within the limits of the City. Although police use of firearms is not specifically mentioned, it is presumed that they are not to use their guns within the City limits except in emergencies.