New Westminster city council isn't prepared to take a bite out of its animal control bylaw just yet.
Council has received requests from animal groups to eliminate the breed specific legislation in the city's animal control bylaw, which deems certain dogs to be vicious breeds. In addition to some residents, the city's family court committee supports the existing breed-specific wording in the bylaw.
In June, city council directed staff to review the breed specific bylaw legislation in the city's animal control bylaw and report back on any improvements that could be made. An Oct. 15 staff report recommended a change that would preserve the existing "vicious dog" designation in the city's bylaw, but would introduce an "aggressive dog" designation for dogs that have displayed aggressive behavior in public and dogs that have caused a minor injury to a person or another animal.
Staff proposed that the aggressive dogs would be required to be kept on a shorter leash and not permitted to enter off-leash areas. Vicious dogs would be required to be muzzled while in a public place and confined when left unattended.
"The improvements to the bylaw will shift the responsibility of pet behavior to owners," stated a staff report. "Animal behavior is based on training and responsible ownership."
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy said he'd like to get some evidence-based information about breed specific legislation.
"I don't know what the evidence is," he said. "Are certain breeds more dangerous than other breeds? . What is the evidence? What are the experts saying in terms of public safety?"
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said he'd like the city to hold a public forum to get community input into the "really important" issue. He said he's heard some compelling arguments on both sides of the issue.
"I'd certainly like to engage more with the public on this," he said.
Coun. Lorrie Williams said she's met "marshmallows" of pit bulls that shouldn't be penalized because they happen to be a specific breed. She said council agreed some time ago to hold forums on animal issues as the need arises.
"I think it's time now that we put together some forum where people can have their say," she said.
Cheryl Rogers, president of the Pacific Volunteer Education and Assistance Team for Animals Society, told council on Oct. 15 that the society knows of a number of groups that would be able to help the city obtain statistics so council is able to make a decision based on facts rather than anecdotal evidence.
In addition to dealing with breed-specific issues in the animal control bylaw, city staff also wants to get a better idea of the dog population in the city and is working on plans to develop a license-canvassing program. Staff estimate that about 6,700 of the 27,050 households in New Westminster have dogs, but only 2,245 households have an active dog licence account.
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