Editor:
Re: Surrey to ban tethering of dogs, April 26.
On April 23, I attended a presentation at Surrey City Hall given by Janet Olsen on chained dogs.
Her presentation was given in conjunction with an Animal Advocates Society video, the context of which was shocking: dogs strangling themselves to death by entangled chains, outside in all weather, summer and winter, neglected, starving; their mouths duct-taped to stop the barking, living in their own feces and urine; one dog sentenced to 10 years dragging its useless back legs in filth and squalor; and all this in so-called civilized Surrey.
Kudos to Mayor Dianne Watts and her shocked council for voting 150 per cent to end this cruelty. Congratulations Janet Olsen and Animal Advocates Society founder Judy Stone.
John Bowen, Surrey
Look at the whole picture
Janet Olson’s presentation to Surrey city council seems highly inappropriate, since she is going on trial for alleged dog theft.
Investigators believe she may responsible for as many as 37 alleged dog thefts.
When Olson showed the video of dogs, did she provide documentation who these dogs belonged to or what country? Has the City of Surrey received any complaints pertaining to tied up dogs? If so how many?
Would a dog be better off in a 4×4 kennel or running free on a 50-foot chain?
Council has to look at the whole picture.
If there is a problem, then city council can instruct staff to investigate and come back with a report. Then council can decide if an action is required.
To draft a bylaw because Olson and her friends have shown a video of dogs suffering is not the way to go.
To invite someone who is going on trial for alleged dog theft to help draft a dog bylaw for the City of Surrey is ludicrous.
Our city staff is quite capable to draft a dog bylaw, and I am sure it will be supported with facts.
I am very disappointed in my Surrey city council for even considering anything Olson or her buddies have to say.
Mary Mikelson, Surrey
