UPDATE: Anti-tethering bylaw not on agenda for Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops will not be joining the ranks of the 14 municipalities and two regional districts that have alread put restrictions on tethering dogs outdoors.
The B.C. SPCA has been lobbying councils across the province to adopt bylaws that help promote animal well-being and human responsibility. In late 2013 the Regional District of Central Okanagan joined several Lower Mainland communities in adopting restrictions around tethering and this week Kamloops resident Claudine Sleik asked city council to also consider this type of restriction.
During the discussion over whether restrictions were needed council was told there have not been many complaints about tethering on private property in Kamloops. Though Councillors Denis Walsh, Deiter Dudy and Donovan Cavers wanted staff to look at the options available for an anti-tethering bylaw the rest of council voted against the idea and the motion was cast aside.
While the SPCA says it is okay with monitored time on a tether there is concern for dogs being attacked by other dogs or wolves and being unable to escape. Dogs can also become tangled and choke to death when tethered.
It says tethering can be done for a number of reasons, from passive cruelty to neglect and ignorance. Not properly socializing dogs and leaving them tied up alone for extended periods can lead them to become neurotic, depressed or aggressive.
In 2007 the SPCA reviewed animal bylaws in 43 B.C. municipalities and found many to be inadequate in creating safe, humane communities. Work began on drafting a set of model bylaws and in 2012 another review and update of bylaws began. Kamloops Community Safety Manager Jon Wilson said these bylaws are geared for the SPCA specifically, and not a municipality. If the city ever does decide to look at a possible bylaw there will need to be a balance between what the SPCA would like to see and what is realistic as a city bylaw department for enforcement.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
— This story was updated at 11:52 a.m., Jan. 14, 2015 with details from the council meeting.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
10 responses
-
PLEASE HELP THESE DOGS!They can’t help themselves, it’s up to you as decent human beings to put a stop to this.
-
-
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING FOR ONCE. YHOU DON’T NEED COMPLAINTS, YOU NEED COMMON SENSE AND TO BE THESE DOG’S PROTECTOR CAUSE NOBODY ELSE IS INT HE POSITION TO DO SO. HOW DO YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF?
-
So, most animal owners are responsible, I agree.But your suggestion to wait until an animal has serious harm then call the law.The damage has already been done and the law will do next to nothing.
-
Dear City Council, Please reconsider your agenda to include anti-tethering laws. The poor dogs in your community have no voice and suffer in silence while they are tied up for long periods in the freezing cold weather or the heat of the sun during the summer months. Surely you have some time to give this serious consideration. Thank you!
-
-
Please City Council, do not impose any more bylaws on the good people of Kamloops. The vast vast majority of dog owners are responsible and love their pets. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand times – you can’t legislate stupid! If dirt bags bring serious harm to their animals there are provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada for such offenses. Please do not make criminals out of otherwise innocent hard working people with another useless bylaw!hashtag so tired of nannystatists.
-
-
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.