Dog attack prompts MLA to call for action
A Yukon MLA has asked the territorial government to extend its legislation that covers the welfare of dogs.
A Yukon MLA has asked the territorial government to extend its legislation that covers the welfare of dogs.
The request came in light of a Ross River woman who was attacked by a rogue dog earlier this month.
With no dog bylaws in the community, the RCMP later destroyed the aggressive animal.
The situation would have looked slightly different had it occurred in a Yukon municipality.
Under the Dog Act, a resident could dispatch a dogcatcher to assess and remedy any issues with canines that may arise.
In the communities that aren’t incorporated in the legislation, the duty to “solve” problem dogs often falls into the hands of the RCMP.
“Yukon should not still be asking the police to shoot troublesome dogs in the street,” said NDP MLA Kevin Barr.
Community Services Minister Currie Dixon acknowledged the issue, noting that it’s more difficult to deal with stray dog-related issues in the unincorporated communities.
The Yukon government’s animal protection officer program provides services to such communities like spay and neutering programs – in addition to working with RCMP in regard to problem pups.
“We’re working at improving those services,” Dixon said.
Now that the animal protection officer program is under the Department of Environment, not Community Services, a review of the program is underway.
“We emphasize education ... and early intervention to help animal owners to understand their responsibilities and to provide appropriate care for their animals,” said Environment Minister Wade Istchenko.
The animal protection officer is the person in charge of investigating animal neglect or abuse cases, Istchenko said.
“Our animal protection officer may also assist the RCMP ... specifically controlling dangerous dogs when they are a threat to public safety,” he said.
At least 39 dogs in Ross River have been sterilized in the past year, he added.
Barr argued that extending the Dog Act, paired with adequate animal welfare programming – including vaccinations, spay and neuter programs and education – would help create a safer environment in unincorporated communities.
The territory’s Dog Act was last revised in 2002. It has been criticized in several different circumstances for vague wording within the legislation.
It forbids dogs “of a vicious temper” from “running at large” in municipalities.
In such situations, an animal welfare officer may seize or kill a dog – but the act also states that dog disputes should be handled in court by a justice of the peace.
Comments (9)
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Mike Grieco on Dec 2, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Dogs are a responsibility. People need to stop creating the very problem they are complaining about. The Animal Protection Officer should be stepping in to protect the dogs, they are the victims, too....pathetic!
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wolverine on Nov 26, 2015 at 5:49 pm
When the policy for stray dogs running-at-large was "Shoot-Shovel-Shutup" then this problem didn't exist.
The problem is caused by the urban do-gooders from the south moving here and thinking every dog must be saved.
Dogs are NOT an endangered species in the Yukon.
The people who are irresponsible with 'their' dogs, are the same people who are generally irresponsible with almost every other thing in their lives. Some actually believe they are entitled to that attitude.
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Sara on Nov 26, 2015 at 5:37 pm
Regulations under the territorial Dog Act were passed in 1969 for the community of Ross River.
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It's not the dogs faults on Nov 26, 2015 at 11:51 am
Shoot the dogs? Shoot the people for getting these dogs, not properly taking care of them and letting them get this way. Don't get a dog if you don't want a dog. Don't get a dog if you don't want to get the dog fixed.
It is only a dog problem now because of the people who brought them to the community.
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George Ross on Nov 26, 2015 at 10:00 am
This community needs to grow up. These dogs didn't come there on their own accord. Stop blaming everyone else for the problem your people create. I'm willing to bet, that across the community of Ross river, people are intending to give puppies either to young ones.... Or significant others for Christmas. Only to have them abandoned once they realize the amount of work and commitment needed. If there are loud complaints about dogs roaming wild then the complaints should be just as loud that NO NEW DOGS are allowed in the community.
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Josey Wales on Nov 25, 2015 at 6:51 pm
Hmmmm...stray dogs eh?
More legislation needed they say?
Humans get attacked by Trevor the human types chronically despite the "legislation" clearly illustrating why it is bad to attack other humans.
Yes folks I can weave this tapestry, and much like "the" issue with stray/feral canines...a cull is often needed.
Yes there is a 'crat named the animal welfare officer, draws a wage but appears that is it.
...like many
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Anon on Nov 25, 2015 at 5:03 pm
Shoot all the stray dogs in the communities, its cheaper and more humane
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jc on Nov 25, 2015 at 4:45 pm
NDP: the lives of animals are more important than the safety of humans. Now they want to tie up the courts with vicious dog protection.
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Hoping for progress on Nov 25, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Thank you for caring about this issue and bringing it up Kevin. I am dealing with a 'stray dog' issue right now myself. Did not even bother calling the Yukon's animal control officer because there always seem to be reasons why he can't do anything about it. People just step up to the plate on their own and yet all that does is make room for the next slew of pups and then the next abandoned dogs.
A comprehensive approach / solution is necessary. Shooting dogs in the streets should be a thing of the past. I believe it is already getting better though. Many people consider what is happening now unacceptable, and from what I hear, it has been a long time since the last shooting of stray dogs in Ross River. Would be nice to help people proceed in this direction if we can.