Resolution BC 2003.01

Resolution BC 2003.01  (Community Life/Legislation Standing Committees, presented by Victoria Diocese)

REGULATIONS REGARDING CONTROL OF DANGEROUS DOGS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whereas,    potentially dangerous and vicious dogs have become a serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of this province; and

Whereas,    numerous individuals, particularly children, have been assaulted without provocation and seriously injured by dogs and many of these attacks have occurred in public places; therefore, be it

Resolved,    that the B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 56th annual convention assembled, urge the Government of British Columbia in conjunction with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to enact legislation to:

a) ban dangerous dogs from residential areas in cities and towns in British Columbia, and
b) create stronger laws to impose severe penalties to owners who violate the existing regulations

BRIEF: REGULATIONS REGARDING DANGEROUS DOGS AND THEIR CARE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The increase in unprovoked attacks of people and animals by vicious and potentially dangerous dogs has become a serious concern nation-wide.

While local bylaws and provincial statutes in British Columbia provide several means of dealing with vicious dogs, the legislation is inadequate to guarantee the safety of  the citizens of this province from the unprovoked attacks of dangerous breeds of dogs.

The ban of dangerous breeds of dogs from city and town limits and stricter demands on owners of these dogs will ensure that the citizens are less likely to be attacked.

Animal control legislation must aim at preventing problems with reasonable laws that protect well-behaved dogs and responsible dog owners while targeting those who actually cause nuisances or endanger public safety.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. B.C. Capital Regional District.  Bylaw Enforcement / Animal Control, May 28, 2002.
2. 1998-UBCM Resolutions and Responses – B23 Vicious dogs.
3. Animal, Bird & Beekeeping Regulation Bylaw 7137
4. Mrs. Donna Flannery’s testimony concerning the attack on her daughter by Rottweiler dogs, while jogging in a residential area of Richmond, B.C.