Dog bylaws set to get beefed up in Penticton

PENTICTON – Anyone caught in violation of a host of new regulations dealing with dogs — including leaving dogs in hot vehicles — better be prepared: The city is about to play ruff.

Among the contemplated changes, anyone leaving a dog in a vehicle will face a $300 fine, up from $200. The bylaw, which appears likely to be adopted at the next council meeting, includes a section on guard dogs that outlines the responsibilities and requirements where a guard dog is on duty and a hobby kennel permit that will allow a resident up to 10 dogs in the agriculture, forestry and grazing zones of the city.

If passed, residents claiming to have guide, therapy or service dogs will need certification before a no-charge licence is issued and shelter managers will have the right to refuse the release of animals from impound if they believe harm could come to the animal, a human, or if the person applying for the release appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Under the new bylaw, fines for repeat offenders will increase with each new infraction. Impound and dangerous dog repeat offenders will also pay more for each subsequent infraction.

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