What is a Dangerous Dog?
There are 18 Animal Control Bylaws in the Capital Regional District as each municipality, regional district and first nations have their own individual bylaws which include definitions of an aggressive, dangerous or vicious dog.
The Community Charter provides the authority to address Dangerous Dogs in an animal control bylaw, most describe a dangerous dog as below or similar.
Section 49 defines a dangerous dog as follows:
"dangerous dog" means a dog that
(a) has killed or seriously injured a person,
(b) has killed or seriously injured a domestic animal, while in a public place or while on private property, other than property owned or occupied by the person responsible for the dog, or
(c) an animal control officer has reasonable grounds to believe is likely to kill or seriously injure a person.
Owner's Responsibility
Dangerous dogs are generally the result of irresponsible pet ownership. Dogs can become a threat if they are not properly socialized and trained, if they are mistreated or if they are deliberately bred or encouraged to attack people or animals.
If your dog displays any aggressive behaviour, be a responsible pet owner and contact a trainer or dog behaviourist to help you and your dog avoid any altercations with people or animals.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Being a responsible pet owner means much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter as pets are completely dependent on their owners.
- Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can't make the commitment, don't get the pet.
- Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals. Please don’t add to the problem.
- Don't make your dog a "backyard dog". Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their humans.
- Provide veterinary care. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
- Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on a hot day or in the yard without shade or water risks your dog's life.
- Licence your dog. Identification is your pet’s ticket back home. Licences are a requirement and must be renewed each year and displayed on your dog’s collar.
- Don't let your pets run loose. Not everyone is dog friendly, nor should they have to be.
- Obedience train and socialize your animal.
- Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise.
- Take extra precautions during holidays like Halloween. This is a scary time for pets. Make sure your pets are safe and secure indoors.
Do your Doo-ty! Please clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately.