Dear editor,
In a letter to the editor on March 13, Lorne Halme expressed concern over the City’s response to a complaint about a dog, which was suspected of killing Mr. Halme’s cat.
The incident was not witnessed, although security cameras captured images of the dog on the property very shortly before the cat was discovered.
First of all, I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Halme on the loss of his cat.
Mr. Halme first reported the incident on Feb. 11. Our part-time animal control officer began investigating this incident Feb 14, her next work day.
I would like to reassure your readers that we take such matters very seriously. This incident was thoroughly investigated under the guidance of the City’s Animal Control Bylaw and the Province of BC’s Community Charter.
City staff spoke to Mr. Halme, his neighbour, and the dog owner. A fine was issued to the dog owner for failing to have the dog on a leash.
The City also issued a requirement to muzzle and leash the dog at all times while outside of its residence and within the City of Courtenay.
This dog is not local to the area, and is now living outside the Comox Valley.
While there is unfortunately no happy outcome possible in this type of situation, we are satisfied that this dog does not pose a potential ongoing threat in the City of Courtenay, and further measures would not be appropriate at this time.
For more information on the City’s Animal Control Bylaw and the City’s jurisdiction over such matters, please visit our website at www.courtenay.ca/corporate/bylaws.aspx.
John Ward, CMC
Editor’s note: John Ward is the City of Courtenay’s director of legislative services.
