Dear editor,
I sympathize with Lorne Halme, whose pet in Courtenay was killed by an out-of-control dog (Record, March 13).
He cites lax bylaw enforcement in Courtenay, and enforcement is no better in Comox.
It’s noteworthy that, due to public pressure, Vancouver in 2011 adopted a zero-tolerance policy in regard to enforcement of leash bylaws. This is not exclusively a big city problem, because in small towns dog owners may feel an even greater sense of entitlement.
In addition to increasing fines, Vancouver has bylaw enforcement officers go into the field, i.e., parks and beaches, to fine dog owners.
In Stanley Park the leash bylaw is posted, along with a phone number to call to report violations.
In both Vancouver and Victoria it’s illegal to leave dogs unattended outside stores while shopping, because too many children have been bitten when they tried to play with strange dogs.
Unfortunately, enforcement here will not be increased until someone is badly injured, at which time local councillors may be expected to wring their hands and ask how it could have happened.
J. Cates,
Comox
